All images: GFF Architects
The 20-acre campus of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) is located near downtown Dallas and was purchased in 1926. The nearly 100-year-old walkable campus is filled with mature live oak trees, cast stone detailed brick buildings, and is populated by students, faculty, and families that enjoy the outdoor spaces.
DTS engaged Dallas-based GFF Architects to develop a master plan for the campus and to design a new chapel and student life center. The master plan included campus edge definition created by a new ornamental fence and corner monuments, improved landscaping, the enhancement of the streetscape to improve the pedestrian experience, and finding an optimal location for the campus's new components.
All images: GFF Architects
GFF reports that DTS representatives described how they wanted the new 30,000-square-foot chapel and student life center to be at the heart of the campus. They imagined that 100 years from now the DTS president would send out thank you cards featuring the chapel as the centerpiece of the card. To achieve this goal, GFF strategically positioned the building to create a more defined central campus quadrangle with an expansive great lawn, which provides a pedestrian-friendly, park-like entry into the building. Since many of the students that live on campus have families, the lawn was intentionally designed to accommodate kids at play, small concerts, and community events.
Material palette
The building’s exterior material palette is designed to be cohesive with the rest of the campus and includes blond brick, Lueders limestone, cast stone medallions, a cupola, and a red clay tile roof. The two-story glazing in the front of the building is protected by a large overhead canopy which also provides an exterior covered area for people to gather, eat lunch, or study.
The student gathering area is designed for informal gatherings and relaxation/study space for commuting students between classes. A small café and lounge provide a place for students to get lunch or coffee throughout the day with views to the great lawn and access to the outdoor seating. The building’s interior is designed to be light and airy, incorporating the blond brick from the exterior with lightly colored painted surfaces and natural wood accents. The ceilings and light fixtures were designed to complement the space and absorb sound.
Modern chapel design
The entry to the Chapel from the gathering space is identified by a large cast stone arch and wood doors, a nod to the historic Chafer Chapel on campus. The walls of the 500-seat chapel are composed of Lueders limestone and acoustical wood planks that are utilized for sound control. A generously sized stage allows flexibility for a wide range of worship and performance events. Behind the stage, there is ample back-of-house space, including a rehearsal room, green room, and space for broadcasting to DTS alumni around the world.
Behind the stage, there is ample back-of-house space, including a rehearsal room, green room, and space for broadcasting to DTS alumni around the world.
The building also contains administrative offices, a catering kitchen that will support a variety of events and a small intimate prayer room.
With construction expected to be completed by spring 2021, the new chapel and student life center will become the heart of the DTS campus for the next 100 years.
