Location
Des Moines, Iowa
Year
2006
Size
700 SF
Client
Drake University
Project Team
Tim Hickman
Paul Mankins
Designed by internationally famous architect Eero Saarinen, the Oreon E. Scott Chapel was dedicated in 1955 as part of Drake University’s former Divinity School. The Drake University campus was master planned by Eero and his father Eliel Saarinen in the 1940s and the chapel is one of nine buildings Saarinen designed on the campus. In more recent years the relentless march of time began to shadow its luminance, revealing signs of decay and the urgent need for restoration. In 2004, the Iowa Chapter of the American Institute of Architects honored the structure as one of Iowa’s 50 most significant buildings of the 20th century.
To celebrate the significance of this landmark project on its fiftieth anniversary, Substance Architecture championed the efforts to restore the Chapel to its original crisp beauty and address the pressing issues of maintaining the building’s integrity. Committed to restoring its original splendor without altering its historic essence, the team dove deep into the original construction blueprints. They undertook meticulous repairs, ensuring each detail mirrored Saarinen’s original vision. The leaking skylight, a significant concern, was rejuvenated, casting the chapel’s interior in its intended ethereal glow. This mission was made possible by the generous support of the Kruidenier Charitable Foundation and ensures that future generations can stand in the Chapel's light, appreciating the confluence of history, art, and architecture.
Engaging in this restoration wasn't just a solitary endeavor by Substance. Collaboration was key. Working hand-in-hand with the University, we navigated the process of securing funding, emphasizing the importance of the project to potential donors. Once the necessary funding was secured, Substance helped prioritize and schedule the restoration, developed comprehensive construction documentation, and oversaw the construction process.
Substance led this project pro bono, illustrating our unwavering devotion to the architectural history of the Midwest, especially the influential mid-20th century designs. It wasn’t just about refurbishing a structure; it was about honoring an era and its creators, and ensuring the chapel's legacy thrives.
Exploded axonometric diagram
Plan and section diagrams
Eero Saarinen
Building model
Juror Comment, Contract Magazine's 29th Annual Interiors Award Program
Original rendering
Vintage photo
Vintage photo
Restoring the iconic Oreon E. Scott Chapel, a masterpiece of Eero Saarinen, was no small feat. Beyond its inherent architectural challenges, the project demanded meticulous attention to historical authenticity and preservation standards. The Substance team seamlessly orchestrated a blend of modern engineering with respect for the chapel's original essence, adeptly navigated the maze of preservation guidelines, and secured necessary endorsements. This project didn't just demonstrate Substance’s architectural prowess but also showcased our profound understanding of marrying history with modernity.
Invoice for custom furniture
Original plan drawing
Skylight Restoration
Architectural Wall Systems
General Contractor
Crose & Lemke Construction
2012 Design Award, Religious Architecture-Restoration
Faith & Form Magazine/IFRAA
2008 Interior Award for Restoration
Contract Magazine’s 29th Annual Interior Awards Program
2007 Excellence in Historic Preservation
City of Des Moines
2007 Honor Award in Restoration
American Institute of Architects, Iowa Chapter
Winter 2012 Faith & Form
March 2010 Architecture Minnesota
January 2008 Contract
07:262 Iowa Architect
Photography by Farshid Assassi/Assassi Productions
