Point Loma Nazarene University Prescott Chapel / Carrier Johnson + Culture

Architects: Carrier Johnson + Culture
Area: 600 ft²
Year: 2008
Photographs: Lawrence Anderson Photography
Electrical Engineering: Elen Consulting
Structural Engineering: KPFF Engineers
Civil Engineering: Michael Baker International
Principal In Charge: Gordon Carrier, FAIA
Design Principal: Ray Varela
Designer: Alex Gutierrez
General Contractor: Bycor General Contractors
City: San Diego
Country: United States

Point Loma Nazarene University Chapel, a spiritual building designed at the campus of Point Loma Nazarene University, set atop Sunset Cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, serves as a new sacred place for reflection and connection. This chapel replaces the previous one and marks the northern entrance of the campus, embedding the spiritual values and architectural elements that evoke the presence of Christ. The design integrates a sequence of spaces, from the entrance to the main prayer area, each tailored to enhance spiritual engagement through materials, light, and form, focusing on elevating the visitor’s experience towards spiritual and aesthetic heights.

Point loma nazarene university prescott chapel / carrier johnson + culture

Positioned above the Sunset Cliffs with views of the Pacific Ocean, Point Loma Nazarene University’s campus is infused with the pervasive assurance of Christ’s love. The university aimed to construct a new chapel to serve as a replacement for the old one, define the northern entrance of their campus, and create a tranquil environment for spiritual reflection and connection. The design was envisioned to physically represent eleven fundamental principles:

Presence of God
Spiritual Foundation
Embrace of Christ
Pathway to Christ
Beacon of Spirituality
Bond with Christ
Illumination of the World
Power of Divine Illumination
Remembrance
Nature as a Manifestation of God
Declaration of Purpose

Approaching the chapel involves a ceremonial procession that engages body, mind, and spirit. A winding path leads visitors through the campus, up the hill, and around meticulously arranged plantings to the chapel, or to one of three outdoor garden prayer areas beneath a preserved tea tree.

The entry sequence to the chapel manipulates scale to transition from the expansive outside to the intimate inside, creating a comforting embrace as one enters. The prayer area inside significantly opens up, directing the gaze upwards to a woven wooden structure above, reminiscent of Christ’s crown of thorns, serving as a focal point.

Materials are deliberately chosen for their symbolic resonance; concrete and rammed earth suggest durability and strength, while wood and wicker bring warmth and intimacy. The earth-toned palette harmonizes with the rocky clifftop setting, enhancing the spiritual and natural connection.

The chapel’s design emphasizes simplicity and purity in form to minimize distractions, promoting a deeper spiritual connection. This intent extends to the interior layout, which excludes traditional pews and utilizes diffuse lighting through wicker screens to create a tranquil ambiance.

Key architectural and spiritual elements include a freestanding cross, made of hickory and stainless steel, positioned 33 feet from the entrance—symbolic of Christ’s age at his death. Unlike traditional settings, the cross is placed away from the wall, inviting visitors to engage with it three-dimensionally. This space also continues the tradition of attaching letters to the cross.

Surrounding the central cross are three personal prayer spaces, symbolizing the Trinity, each offering a private moment for individual reflection yet integrated visually with the main chapel area through a screen of wooden planks.

This chapel stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering a space of serenity and spiritual depth, making it a cherished location for prayer and meditation.