Consider this: a simple brick cylinder can evoke profound spirituality. That’s the essence of the W15 MIT Chapel. This non-denominational chapel was designed by architect Eero Saarinen. It stands on the MIT campus in Cambridge Massachusetts. The W15 MIT Chapel is next to Kresge Auditorium and Kresge Oval. Saarinen designed these locations too. The W15 MIT Chapel is a successful example of mid-century modern architecture. Saarinen also designed the landscaping.
From the outside the W15 MIT Chapel looks simple. It is a windowless brick cylinder. A shallow concrete moat surrounds it. The W15 MIT Chapel is 50 feet in diameter. It is 30 feet high. An aluminum spire tops it. Low arches support the brick. Saarinen chose rough imperfect bricks. This created a textured effect. Groves of London Planetrees surround the W15 MIT Chapel. A long wall stands to the east. Saarinen designed the wall and trees. They isolate the site from the noise of adjacent buildings.
Inside the W15 MIT Chapel is an intimate space. Its visual impact is stunning. Undulating brick forms the windowless interior walls. A metal sculpture by Harry Bertoia glitters. It cascades like light from the circular skylight. It falls to a small marble altar. Light filters upward from slits in the walls. It reflects off the moat. This dim light is complemented by artificial lighting. Theodore Roszak designed the spire and bell tower. They were added in 1956.
Walter Holtkamp designed the organ. He was important in the revival of classic organ-building. In 1970 musician Ned Lagin performed a piece. It was created for the W15 MIT Chapel. Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh and Mickey Hart were present. Garcia and Lesh then invited Lagin to join the Grateful Dead.
Leland M Roth used the W15 MIT Chapel to illustrate a contrast. The contrast was between Saarinen’s approach and Mies van der Rohe’s. Roth said Saarinen created a place of mystic quiet. He did this through light manipulation. He focused on a white marble altar block.
In 2014 MIT started the first comprehensive renovation. The moat was rebuilt to repair leaks. The external envelope was repaired. Internal restoration improved mechanical systems. The W15 MIT Chapel reopened in 2015.
The demolition of nearby Bexley Hall made the W15 MIT Chapel more visible. It is now more visible from Massachusetts Avenue. The renovations preserved it as a sanctuary. It is just steps from the Infinite Corridor and Kresge Auditorium.
The W15 MIT Chapel stands as a testament. It shows how simple forms and light can create a spiritual space. Its design encourages reflection. It offers a break from the MIT campus. Take a moment to appreciate its unique beauty.