Create a portfolio website.
Build your online portfolio quickly and easily.
Loyola University
Chapel Garden Design - transformation of a parking area to a wedding destination.
Chapel Garden space - 2 years after construction completion.
Located outside the historic Madonna Chapel on the lakefront of Lake Michigan, the Chapel Garden design provides an inviting lakeside gathering space for Loyola students, wedding ceremonies, and Sunday mass attendees.
Chapel Garden Space (Before).
Filled with impervious pavement, a parking lot filled the space to the south of the Madonna Chapel on the shore of Lake Michigan. In response to Loyola University's desire to be greener and reduce stormwater runoff, the Loyola Chapel Garden project was born.
Loyola University - Chapel Garden Site Plan
The project site, located in the lower right of the Campus Site Plan, is one of many Loyola enlisted the services of SmithgroupJJR to support.
Chapel Garden - Chapel Plaza
Located near the eastern entry of the historic Madonna Della Strada Chapel, the Chapel Plaza was designed to welcome visitors and worship attendees. The plaza was designed to connect the exterior space with the building facade through adoption of the Chapel's rose windows intricate design.
Chapel Plaza - Detailed Design
Developing the rosette window's design proved challenging, as a series of complex and interlocking pavers were designed to align perfectly in interlinked circles.
Chapel Plaza - Construction Installation
Construction site observation visits were conducted frequently to ensure the unique design was carefully calibrated to the space and documentation. The exact alignment of each paver, joint, and paver tones came together in a fantastic replication thanks to high quality craftsmanship and the contractors commitment to detail.
Chapel Plaza - Before
Simple concrete slabs with rose granite stairs framed the southeast entrance prior to the Chapel Garden & Chapel Plaza project.
Chapel Plaza - After
The Chapel Plaza design enhanced the southeast entrance through the introduction of the rosette pattern in interlocking granite pavers. The plaza design also made the southeast entrance ADA accessible, enabling those attending chapel services to enter the chapel without climbing a stair. Lastly, the redesign of the garden space opened up views to Lake Michigan which encourages visitors to enjoy the lakefront space as they enter and exit the chapel.
