Chapel of the Resurrection

Chapel of the Resurrection. The Chapel of the Resurrection is a notable example of Mid-Century modern architecture, designed by Eero Saarinen and Kevin Roche, and built on the campus of Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana, near Chicago, Illinois. The chapel's design was influenced by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and its construction was made possible through the efforts of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and Valparaiso University. The chapel has been recognized for its innovative design, which incorporates elements of Brutalist architecture and Expressionist architecture, as seen in the works of Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius.

● History

The history of the Chapel of the Resurrection dates back to the 1950s, when Valparaiso University began planning for a new chapel to serve its growing student body, which included students from Lutheran Church of Australia, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and Lutheran Church–Canada. The university consulted with renowned architects, including Eero Saarinen, Kevin Roche, and John Dinkeloo, to design a chapel that would reflect the values of Lutheranism and provide a peaceful space for worship and reflection, similar to the Washington National Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. The construction of the chapel was completed in 1959, with the help of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, and it has since become a beloved landmark on the Valparaiso University campus, attracting visitors from University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

● Architecture

The architecture of the Chapel of the Resurrection is characterized by its innovative use of materials and design elements, which were influenced by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Le Corbusier. The chapel's design features a striking hyperbolic paraboloid roof, which was a novel feature at the time of its construction, and has been compared to the designs of Sydney Opera House and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The chapel's exterior is clad in limestone and glass, with a stainless steel cross rising from the roof, similar to the designs of Willis Tower and Empire State Building. The interior of the chapel features a spacious nave with a vaulted ceiling, and a chancel with a stained glass window designed by Charles Connick, similar to the designs of Notre Dame de Paris and Chartres Cathedral.

● Significance

The Chapel of the Resurrection holds significant importance for the Lutheran community, as it serves as a symbol of faith and spirituality for students, faculty, and staff at Valparaiso University, as well as for members of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. The chapel has also been recognized for its architectural significance, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places alongside other notable buildings, such as Fallingwater and Guggenheim Museum. The chapel has hosted numerous events and services, including weddings, funerals, and conferences, and has been a popular destination for tourists and architecture enthusiasts from American Institute of Architects and National Trust for Historic Preservation.

● Location

The Chapel of the Resurrection is located on the campus of Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana, near Chicago, Illinois, and is situated near other notable landmarks, such as Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan. The chapel is easily accessible by car or public transportation, and is within walking distance of Valparaiso University's Harre Union and Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources, as well as Chicago Transit Authority and South Shore Line. The chapel's location provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere, surrounded by trees and gardens, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, similar to the views of University of Michigan and Ohio State University.

● Features

The Chapel of the Resurrection features a range of amenities and facilities, including a nave with a vaulted ceiling, a chancel with a stained glass window, and a crypt with a chapel and meeting rooms, similar to the designs of Westminster Abbey and St. Peter's Basilica. The chapel also features a pipe organ designed by Aeolian-Skinner, and a carillon with bells cast by Paccard Foundry, similar to the designs of Notre Dame de Paris and Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. The chapel's grounds include a memorial garden and a prayer labyrinth, designed by Herbert Jacobs, and offer a peaceful and contemplative space for reflection and prayer, similar to the designs of Garden of the Gods and Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre.