By Charlotte London
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The couple, John and Dominique de Menil was so impressed with the work of Mark Rothko that they commissioned his art for a chapel in Houston, Texas. The chapel was initially to be a space for catholic worshippers. The de Menil’s agreed it was best to share the chapel with all religions. The nondenominational Chapel drew respect from visitors such as Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu and Jimmy Carter, to name a few. The de Menil’s were extremely generous people. They were concerned about human rights, as well as sharing their love for art with others. The space is used as a Chapel, as well as a museum.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
The couple, John and Dominique de Menil was so impressed with the work of Mark Rothko that they commissioned his art for a chapel in Houston, Texas. The chapel was initially to be a space for catholic worshippers. The de Menil’s agreed it was best to share the chapel with all religions. The nondenominational Chapel drew respect from visitors such as Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu and Jimmy Carter, to name a few. The de Menil’s were extremely generous people. They were concerned about human rights, as well as sharing their love for art with others. The space is used as a Chapel, as well as a museum.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
The Chapel was designed by Philip Johnson but completed by Howard Barnstone and Eugene Aubry. The octagon shaped building boasts a sky light which is perfect for viewing the art work in natural light. The sunlight is showered into the space which just adds to the meditative aspects of the chapel. The entrance is located at the south end of the structure. The interior space boasts no distractions for its visitors. There are no flowers, no signs, no alter and miniminal seating in the Chapel. The colorful artwork by artist, Rothko is the focal point. The abstract pieces are also not a distraction to visitors. The pieces are thought provoking and spark conversation. The seating is 4 long benches which are strategically placed to face the north, south, east and west walls.
HARMONY and NATURE
The front south side entrance displays a sculpture, BROKEN OBELISK by Barnett Newman. The sculpture sits in a reflecting pool. After much debate the Broken Obelisk was dedicated to the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Cor-Ten steel takes on a rustic appearance as it rusts in the humid Houston climate. The natural light floods the interior space of the Chapel. The white color of the structure seems to disappear against the Houston, Texas skyline. The Chapel is nestled in between numerous trees on the site.
SYMBOLISM and SACRED OBJECTS
The Broken Obelisk symbolizes perfect balance. The pyramid base points upward to the Broken Obelisk while the point of the Broken Obelisk points to the pyramid. The smallest areas of the objects join together to make one large balanced sculpture. This is the over all theme of the Chapel. The Chapel brings people from differing back grounds together in a neutral and balanced space. The reflecting pool and Obelisk which are at the Chapel entrance tends to make you think of peace, calmness and serenity prior to entering the Chapel space.
HOW IS IT USED BY WORSHIPPERS
The space is used as a meditative space for worshippers. Others use it for research, reflection, weddings and inspiration. What a great place to just sit and think. Worshippers of all religions can serve their god in this space. A major debate regarding allowing same sex marriage was finally resolved by the Chapels founders. After much consideration and pleading by interested gay activists the space was finally opened to gay marriage ceremonies. Gene Harrington, an Aids Activist was the catalyst for this change. There is no music, no instruments and especially no flowers in the space.
HARMONY and NATURE
The front south side entrance displays a sculpture, BROKEN OBELISK by Barnett Newman. The sculpture sits in a reflecting pool. After much debate the Broken Obelisk was dedicated to the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Cor-Ten steel takes on a rustic appearance as it rusts in the humid Houston climate. The natural light floods the interior space of the Chapel. The white color of the structure seems to disappear against the Houston, Texas skyline. The Chapel is nestled in between numerous trees on the site.
SYMBOLISM and SACRED OBJECTS
The Broken Obelisk symbolizes perfect balance. The pyramid base points upward to the Broken Obelisk while the point of the Broken Obelisk points to the pyramid. The smallest areas of the objects join together to make one large balanced sculpture. This is the over all theme of the Chapel. The Chapel brings people from differing back grounds together in a neutral and balanced space. The reflecting pool and Obelisk which are at the Chapel entrance tends to make you think of peace, calmness and serenity prior to entering the Chapel space.
HOW IS IT USED BY WORSHIPPERS
The space is used as a meditative space for worshippers. Others use it for research, reflection, weddings and inspiration. What a great place to just sit and think. Worshippers of all religions can serve their god in this space. A major debate regarding allowing same sex marriage was finally resolved by the Chapels founders. After much consideration and pleading by interested gay activists the space was finally opened to gay marriage ceremonies. Gene Harrington, an Aids Activist was the catalyst for this change. There is no music, no instruments and especially no flowers in the space.
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