Prayer Chapel by Gensler
A wave-like wooden ceiling undulates above the heads of students at this chapel by architects Gensler in the basement of a Los Angeles university.
![Prayer Chapel by Gensler Prayer Chapel by Gensler](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Prayer-Chapel-by-Gensler_1sq.jpg)
Despite being located within the rectangular confines of an old classroom, the chapel has curved walls and not a single corner.
![Prayer Chapel by Gensler Prayer Chapel by Gensler](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Prayer-Chapel-by-Gensler_2.jpg)
Architect David Herjeczki explains how he was inspired by the thick black outlines of poché-style plans. "The design is conceived as a 'heavy' space deliberately set apart from, but fully formed within, the host classroom building," he said.
![Prayer Chapel by Gensler Prayer Chapel by Gensler](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Prayer-Chapel-by-Gensler_3.jpg)
Recycled strips of timber were mixed with wood harvested from olive trees around the campus to create the uneven finish of the chapel's timber ceiling.
![Prayer Chapel by Gensler Prayer Chapel by Gensler](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Prayer-Chapel-by-Gensler_4.jpg)
"The choice of such recycled wood is consistent with the poor and primitive sensibility of the chapel, but materially it provides a rich contrast to the fundamental nature of the space," said Herjeczki.
![Prayer Chapel by Gensler Prayer Chapel by Gensler](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Prayer-Chapel-by-Gensler_6.jpg)
A narrow skylight creates a band of light across the ceiling at one end and illuminated glass blocks create brightly coloured windows in the curved interior walls, but offer no views to the rooms beyond.
![Prayer Chapel by Gensler Prayer Chapel by Gensler](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Prayer-Chapel-by-Gensler_5.jpg)
Other chapels we've featured include one in a school for friars in Portugal and one constructed by students in Istanbul.
![Prayer Chapel by Gensler Prayer Chapel by Gensler](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Prayer-Chapel-by-Gensler_8.jpg)
3D diagrams - click above for larger image
See more stories about chapels »
![Prayer Chapel by Gensler Prayer Chapel by Gensler](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Prayer-Chapel-by-Gensler_9.gif)
Building plan - click above for larger image and key
Photography is by Ryan Gobuty, Gensler.
![Prayer Chapel by Gensler Prayer Chapel by Gensler](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Prayer-Chapel-by-Gensler_10.gif)
Floor plan and alternative layout
Project details:
Client: Biola University, La Mirada, CA USA
Design: David Herjeczki, Gensler Los Angeles
![Prayer Chapel by Gensler Prayer Chapel by Gensler](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Prayer-Chapel-by-Gensler_11.gif)
Conceptual section