Two Spiritual Places in Oakland

What a treat to spend time with my son in the Bay Area and to visit spiritual places that he and his architect friends had been but were new for me!

I requested that we stop by The Cathedral of Christ the Light; my son added Chapel of the Chimes to our itinerary.

The Cathedral of Christ the Light, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, 2008

Per the SOM website description of the cathedral: A landmark in the city of Oakland, California, this contemporary house of worship welcomes the public with a sense of lightness and luminosity, achieved through the innovative use of modest materials.

It was very easy to appreciate the light-filled space of this contemporary design of wood and glass.

Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Architects: Julia Morgan and others

I’m glad my son took me to visit Chapel of the Chimes, truly a beautiful historic and tranquil place. We went from room to room, without a map, and got lost in the art of it all.

Redesigned in 1928 by renowned architect Julia Morgan of Hearst Castle fame, it was conceived as a haven of peace and tranquility with an innovative array of gardens, cloisters, alcoves, stairwells, fountains and chapels that rise toward vaulted ceilings and illuminated by soothing natural light.

Over the years other architects have contributed, including Aaron Green, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright.