Architecture
A joint project of the Cathedral of Hope and Hope for Peace & Justice
Philip Johnson, Philip Johnson/Alan Ritchie Architects – Design Architect
Gary Cunningham, Cunningham Architects – Construction Architect
Structuretone - Builder
The Office of James Burnett - Landscape Architect
From Philip Johnson:
"I’m the world’s luckiest man,
I’m getting to do, at last what I’ve dreamt of all my life.”
“This is a building I’ve waited all my life to build. It will be my memorial."
“The building will be built of simple and common materials,
which I understand God is rather fond of.”
“When you work for God, you have to elevate your sights.
There’s only one client that can give you that feeling.”
Hear and see Philip Johnson for yourself!
Watch "The Architecture of Peace" (10 minutes)
“Dallas’ best shot at having a religious building that draws the world’s attention to this city again is (this building), designed by Philip Johnson.” -Rena Pederson, Dallas Morning News
Regardless of what one believes about God, can any of us doubt that the world will be better when religion is a source of peace rather than conflict? As the old song says:
Let there be peace on earth...
and let it begin with me!
The warping walls of the Interfaith Peace Chapel do what walls are not supposed to do. Without right angles or parallel lines, the space will slightly disorient visitors and prepare them for the reorientation of their souls.
Regardless of faith, our goal is to orient the hearts and minds of people away from conflict and division and toward cooperation and community. People of faith have been a part of many great movements for human progress. Churches, synagogues, temples and mosques have built schools, hospitals and orphanages. They have fed the poor and advocated for those at the margins of society. They led the Civil Rights Movement just a few decades ago and stand ready to lead a new movement toward human peace.
The tragedy of our age is that religion is the greatest threat to peace and, perhaps, to humankind’s survival. We believe there ought to be a better way and we ask for your help in finding and modeling it.
Interfaith Peace Chapel
The Interfaith Peace Chapel includes over 8,000 square feet, is 46 feet tall at its highest point (the height of a four story building) and measures over 106 feet long. It seats 175 people and is designed for conferences, seminars, small interfaith services, weddings, memorial services and other intimate chapel experiences.
The Interfaith Peace Chapel provides a sacred place for people of all faiths, and for people who profess no faith, to come together in unity and love. No matter the headlines or conflicts outside, within the walls of the Interfaith Peace Chapel all faiths, nationalities and ethnicities are welcome. The Chapel is an example of inclusive spiritual cooperation for the rest of the world.
Still To Come
Plaza
The plaza will provide 12,000 sq. ft. of open-air gathering space. A grove of trees arching around the north side will offer a park-like setting for a meditation garden. This is one possible location of the water feature that includes the Trevor Southy bronze of St. Francis. In addition, a specially designed prayer labyrinth will be installed as part of the landscaping plan.
Parking, Landscaping, & Signage
The new parking configuration will include 1,500 paved parking spaces, the final Cedar Springs entry to the property, along with landscaping and signage that will improve the overall appearance of the campus.
If you would like to support the programs of the Interfaith Peace Chapel and completion of the Plaza, Parking, Landscaping, & Signage make a donation today.
For further information, contact Todd Scoggins, Director of Development by email or call 214-351-1044.
