The Chapel of St. Peter

The most potent and recognised symbol of Christianity is the cross. As a symbol of atonement it provides hope and inspiration to the faithful. St Peter’s Chapel presents a confident and identifiable cross to its most public face not only to signify the buildings purpose and all that the cross stands for, but also to provide a public message of God’s love. The cross is expressed as a cut through the buildings exterior, revealing the interior as an invitation to explore what lies within. From within, the vertical element of the cross is extended into and across the roof to present itself as an inverted cross taking on a highly personalised meaning to St Peter’s College. This gesture only becomes apparent from within the chapel and as such forms a strong connection to Saint Peter for the assembly, giving the interior experience an elevated depth of meaning and theological reading. The spatial energy of the interior form is directed toward the Altar and the Cross beyond, in effect towards the light. It gives a sense of reaching for the Divine. The cross punctuates the interior with dynamic shafts of light and gives due prominence to the Sanctuary and Altar. There is a strong and direct axial link between the Baptismal Font and the Altar along the centreline of the Chapel. The Sanctuary is symmetrically laid out on this axis, with the large cross-shaped window rising behind. To the right of the main axis is the location of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel containing the Tabernacle, coloured gold and bathed in light from a skylight on top of the spire. To the left is the Reconciliation Chapel of St Peter. These spaces are located in the corners of the diamond shaped plan as private niches open to the main Chapel, and are signified by triangular skylights located above each entry point. The Baptismal Font, located as the central focus of the Narthex has a powerful axial link to the Altar down the centre line of the Assembly. The skylight in the roof extending from the cross window, along the length of the Chapel ceiling to above the Font, forms an extended Staff to the Cross of St Peter and dynamically reinforcing the Sacramental journey begun in Baptism and culminated in Eucharist. The building presents a bold and sculptural form to the main public face yet from within the College grounds the building presents another face – one of humility and purpose. Low and inviting, the Gathering space forms a new focus to the re-aligned assembly courtyard with the Chapel providing the backdrop for the morning assembly. This building purposefully identifies itself as being different from the surrounding buildings. This is sacred architecture. An object of noble simplicity this building is forward looking, but deeply respects the traditions it serves. It has emerged from a thorough engagement with liturgical principles and designed to serve the celebration of liturgical services and the active participation of the faithful.