Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, MI

JNKA served as Design Architect and Liturgical Designer for this new 7,200 s.f., 270-seat chapel at the heart of Aquinas College’s campus in a Romanesque style to reflect the Dominican tradition and call to come together in community, prayer and worship. The Romanesque exterior design, brick and limestone detailing were inspired by the college’s historic buildings; and, in response to the students’ request that the chapel provide a similar sense of communal intimacy as the former chapel, the interior was designed with curved pews around a centrally located tabernacle, hand-carved crucifix, and Sanctuary featuring traditional wood detailing. Large arched windows introduce a wealth of natural light, color and beauty from the natural surroundings, and the building was designed to achieve LEED certification to reflect the college’s efforts in striving for a sustainable world. JNKA also designed the liturgical furnishings for the chapel, including the altar, ambo, tabernacle stand, and lectern.