Cornerstone University Chapel
LOCATION
Grand Rapids, Michigan
PROJECT SIZE
57,841 sq. ft.
BUILDER
Christman Co.
Details
Cornerstone University's Christ Chapel features a contemporary design rooted in the collegiate Gothic style. The chapel's exterior elements include gables at the four cardinal points, allowing ample natural light to fill the sanctuary. The building's materials harmonize with the existing campus architecture, creating a cohesive visual experience. The structure's facades and roofs are scaled down to blend with the neighboring buildings, ensuring a seamless integration into the campus environment. Two main entrances, one for off-campus arrivals and one for on-campus foot traffic, converge into a common lobby, enhancing accessibility and flow.
Inside the chapel, the sanctuary is designed for worship in the round, featuring an oval form with a central dais. The ceiling, composed of wood fins, ascends gracefully, bringing in indirect natural light while maintaining acoustical quality. These fins can be mechanically adjusted to control the light levels. The sanctuary can be divided to create a more intimate space for smaller gatherings. The lower level includes classrooms and recital rooms with direct ramp access to the sanctuary dais, which can be hydraulically lowered for easy equipment transfer.
The preliminary space planning for the chapel includes a seating capacity of 1,600 to 2,000, depending on the seating arrangement. The building spans 58,041 square feet, excluding storage and mechanical areas. It features 14,204 square feet of classroom space, 6,359 square feet of office and administration space, and 18,777 square feet dedicated to lobbies, circulation, and other essential areas. Additionally, the chapel includes 2,909 square feet of restroom facilities.
Strategically located at the southeast corner of the campus, the chapel is highly visible from East Beltline traffic, replacing the bookstore as the prominent feature of this area. This location emphasizes the importance of communal worship and aligns with the university's master plan. The landscape design includes orchard-style plantings and terraced earthworks, providing outdoor gathering spaces. Garden walls define secluded areas, enhancing the entry sequence and preparing visitors for worship.
