QUESTION 1

Jesuit Chapel

Ovin Thirimawithana History CSA Part 1/year1 2022/23

 Jesuit Chapel

The Jesuit Chapel in Colombo 4 is one of the most outstanding yet subtle
buildings built by Architect Valentine Gunasekara. This chapel is a stunning
example for Minimalistic yet spiritual architecture, with its subtle decorations and
details, the interior is filled with simple colours, majority of it being white and
specially clear glasses rather than the stained mossaic glasses used in other
conventional chapels, and also the very minimal and basic pews. The chapel
spreads a sense of simplicity and calmness, making it a truly inspiring space for
worship and reflection.

But the significance of the Jesuit chapel goes beyond its

physical beauty. It has long been a spiritual center for the community
surrounding it. A place where people come to fid peace and freedom in their
daily lives. For generations the chapel has served as a center of hope and faith,
offering guidance and support to those who seek it. Its importance cannot be
overstated, as it continues to play a vital role in the spiritual life of the community.

Talking about why Valentine gave priority to spirituality, the chapel was
built during a time when people were searching for a meaning and purpose for
their lives. The chapel provided a space for individuals to connect with
something greater than themselves, to find solace in times of hardship, and to
experience a sense of community.
Spirituality was seen as a way to cope with
the challenges of life and to find a sense of peace in a world that could be
chaotic and unpredictable. The Jesuit chapel offered a place where people
could come together to explore their spirituality and to support one onother on
their journeys.

When it comes to the Jesuit chapel, everyone can agree that

Archt. Valentine Gunasekara has achives the goal of creating a chapel and
giving the feel of a chapel without doing anything extra and sticking to the
minimalism, that spreads out calmness and spirituality, which a chapel should
be.

Ovin Thirimawithana History CSA Part 1/year1 2022/23

 Jesuit Chapel

Talking about Valentine Gunasekara's approach to creating spirituality, it

was centered around the idea of engaging all of the senses. He believed that by
immersing oneself in a multisensory experience that enhances spirituality and
calmness, one could more fully be connected with the chapel itself and do what
they are here to do which is improving their spirituality and adding peace to their
life.
To achieve this, Valentine incorporated elements such as light, focal
points, simple and calming colours and simple artwork into his services.

In addition Valentine
emphasized the importance of community in spiritual practices. He encouraged
members of the congregation to participate in group activities such as singing
and chanting, which he believed helped to create a sense of unity.

Design wise
the unique styling of the roof is a very prominent feature which makes the light
that comes from the clear windows makes the light spread in an eye calming
manner and also the roof design brings your eyes to the focal point which is the
statue of Jesus in the center of the area that is called the sanctuary, Which is
also very minimal just with a statue of Jesus that is also single coloured and
simple and only with a roof opening that allows light to come in and brighten the
sanctuary with an over the head lighting effect. That lighting effect is very eye
pleasing and gives the spiritual and calming feeling to the devotees in the
chapel.

The roof design also has another purpose which is the reflection of
sound, which helps to add the sleight and subtle echoing effect for the prayers
and chanting without distorting the prayers. That plays a main role in enhancing
the spirituality of the interior of the chapel. The exterior design is also carrying
the cues of the interior such as the uncommon roof design and being very
minimal and looking like a simple white building with no extra details or colours.

Ovin Thirimawithana History CSA Part 1/year1 2022/23

 Jesuit Chapel

Coming to the architecture, Valentine has gone out of the box and stepped
out of the vernacular architecture style of chapels and Sri Lankan vernacular
architecture. By the looks of it, it looks nothing like a chapel but it gives the very
calming and spiritual feeling even without looking like a typical chapel. The
intentional departure from tradition reflects the philosophy of embracing new
ideas and perspectives in order to better serve the community. By creating a
space that challenges expectations and norms, the Jesuit chapel invites visitors
to think and reflect their own beliefs and values.

Also Valentine has not forgotten

the practicality of the building, taking to consideration its located in Colombo,
that means it is very warm and he has incorporated openings in the top area of
the walls to improve cross ventilation in the building to reduce the heat without
using electricity.

Ovin Thirimawithana History CSA Part 1/year1 2022/23

 Jesuit Chapel

Ovin Thirimawithana History CSA Part 1/year1 2022/23