The mid-century modern design of Coventry Cathedral profoundly influenced the design of the Chapel of the Resurrection at Valparaiso. Although separated by many miles these two places of worship, share not only an architectural connection but also a common philosophy, the Community of the Cross of Nails; a community that connects the spirit of togetherness, learning, and acceptance across the globe. We set out to ensure that the chapel seating we designed would create an additional parallel connection.
In 2014 the Dean and key decision makers at the Chapel of Resurrection in Indiana, USA, contacted the Gordon Russell Trust, in the UK, to inquire if anyone was making the chairs designed for Coventry Cathedral.
As a trusted partner and friend to the Gordon Russell Trust, we were the only designers contacted and were tasked to find out if the Coventry chair could be re-engineered for manufacture in a modern workshop and for a modern audience, the ergonomics of chapel seating being very different in Midwest America today than in post-war Britain nearly 70 years ago.
The Chapel is now able to host many different types of services, concerts, and student events that significantly impact on the wellbeing and support of the student and adult congregation, and wider audience.
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