Spiritual Place - Thurston Memorial Chapel

A 2023 architectural highlight was my June visit to the Thurston Memorial Chapel located on the campus of Punahou School in Honolulu. Coincidentally, it was another masterwork by noted architect Vladimir Ossipoff (see preceding post).

A pianist was practicing in the chapel during my private visit for a perfect musical backdrop. The chapel visit was exactly what I needed to lift my spirits

I enjoyed sharing photos of the chapel with my architecture loving friends. Some mentioned the humble, barn-like exterior. Many mentioned the surprise of the interior design’s clean lines and simplicity.

From the School’s website:

Designed by Honolulu architect Vladimir Ossipoff, Thurston Memorial Chapel was built in 1966 and appears to rise up out of Punahou’s famed Lily Pond. Formed from the natural spring “Ka Punahou” that bore the name of the lands and the school, the Lily Pond teems with life and flows both next to and under the chapel walls.

The entrance doors, made from koa wood, feature sculptured panels that were designed by Jean Charlot and crafted in copper by Evelyn Giddings. Thirty-two scenes from the life of Christ were picked from thousands of student entries, from which Charlot provided drawings. Another artist, Erica Karawina created the chapel’s stained glass.

Related post: Lijestrand House