Stella Orientis by Nina Isabela Palafox

nina_palafox — 2020-03-11 12:18:24 UTC

Integration of Greek and Roman architecture: Proportion and Symmetry, the use of math to calculate measurements, structure is focused on their God, Dome-like ceiling (from Romans)

nina_palafox — 2020-03-11 12:18:40 UTC

The space that the chapel has is focused on proportion and symmetry. Every ornament, furniture, or pillar inside is duplicated and correctly positioned in a way that it is not an obstruction and is utilized accordingly.

The group observations of the space are the following:

1. Every inch that is in between the benches to that of the pillars is well thought of and is measured with precision and accuracy.
2. The decision of having high ceilings in a dome structure makes an individual feel that he or she is not constricted to a box.
3. The group also deems that the huge windows that give way to a ray of sunlight is important as it glares directly to the altar.
4. When entering the chapel, the enormous altar that is placed at the center will catch your eye. It contains a glaring statue of Mother Mary carrying baby Jesus.
This altar, like many areas of the chapel, is covered in gold.

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nina_palafox — 2020-03-11 13:20:17 UTC

The Stella Orientis Chapel is a quadrilateral space with an octagonal ceiling which forms a dome-like structure. Although the space is quite limited, every part of it was utilized for different functions devoted to faith.

From the entrance of the chapel, the first space acknowledged is the altar, being the center of attention. This is where the five paintings that depict the life of the blessed virgin Mary would be found. This is also where the priest will celebrate the eucharistic celebration. It is decorated with gold ornaments to create emphasis by contrast and color.

Furthermore, at the left side of the altar, they have huge windows which enable natural light to enter. Unlike the left side where the pews are located, the windows were covered to limit the light that can enter the chapel. The actual left side of the chapel where the confession rooms can be found. It can accommodate at least 14 people since there are 7 rooms available. At the right side of the chapel is the adoration room, where the Eucharist is exposed.

Since the space is limited, visitors would notice the stations of the cross which are hung around the chapel. The entire chapel had pews for those people who wanted to celebrate mass or just reflect by themselves.

Considering the idea that the chapel has a horizontally limited space, the design also focused on its vertical space, which is able to create an illusion as if the whole space is bigger than it actually is.

Another space to acknowledge would be the ceiling. The chapel has a high ceiling. As mentioned before, it has an octagonal shape which forms a dome-like structure. And at the very center of the ceiling, visitors are able to see the sculpture of a dove.

nina_palafox — 2020-03-11 13:25:58 UTC

The main function of the Chapel is of a place of worship.

Every space available is made for a reason and we find that this reason is commonly for an individual not only to render devotion to his or her beliefs but also be able to appreciate the work/effort that has been made to offer and celebrate the holiness of the religion. According to the UA&P page, “The oratory’s design considers focus and devotion to Christ, and every detail performs a catechetical function for the faithful.”

The spaces discussed impact the function of the chapel in the sense that the spaces described all lead to a sense of one’s closeness to Christ and to the community through the utilization of spaces, centrality, and emphasis of certain ornaments.

The group believes that because the chapel is designed to emphasize Christ as the center by using the elements of proportion, repetition, and movement; it impacts its function to be more than a place of worship. The chapel is more than its religious obligations. It also enables a person to contemplate the reasons why this certain ornament is made and positioned the way it is. The chapel is also a place of thought or of knowledge. It gives way to somewhat a history of events that is centered on the life of Christ but most importantly, it affects its function to be a safe haven where everyone can belong to, relax, and talk to God peacefully.

nina_palafox — 2020-03-11 13:28:15 UTC

“For me, Stella O is a place where I feel really close to God. The atmosphere, the quietness, of the place allows me to focus in my prayer. In addition, the people who visit Stella O encourages me to be a better Christian because they make sure to spare time for God despite their busy schedule. Since Stella O is a holy place, people don't really talk and interact that much in order to maintain silence; however, I observe people giving nods and smiles when greeting someone they know. It is a place where people will feel at home with the Lord." - Mari Baldomar

nina_palafox — 2020-03-11 13:28:30 UTC

"Well, for me, I see it as a safe space - kind of like a haven for those who are troubled or just want to escape the busy life from work or school. The chapel takes the stress off my shoulders for a while because of its tranquility and at the same time, I could enjoy and share this experience with the people around me who also seek the guidance of God everytime we celebrate mass in Stella Orientis."- Simone Yater

nina_palafox — 2020-03-11 13:28:54 UTC

“Stella O is a place for me to recollect and reflect on my day. Since school is such a loud and fast-paced community, I find the “quiet” in Stella O. Every time I am there, I take it as an opportunity to talk to God and open my heart up to Him, since I don’t get to do that often. It really hits different when you are in such a beautiful and holy place like Stella O." - Samantha Cuansing

nina_palafox — 2020-03-11 13:29:43 UTC

“When people go to the Stella Orientis Chapel, they sit very far from each other because they are there to have time with God, not with other people. It is a place where people enjoy peace. For me, after a long day at school, I always go to the Chapel because it gives me silence and rest. It is the only place in the school where I can really talk to God properly and that gives me peace. I am able to rant to Him about all the irritating things that got in my way, thank Him for the good things that happened that day, tell Him my worries and fears, and contemplate on my actions. Basically, it is where I get to be myself in front of God who gives me peace." - Catherine Ko

nina_palafox — 2020-03-11 13:30:23 UTC

"For me, Stella O is a place where I can develop my relationship with God. Here, I am able to reflect and have countless conversations with Him. The solemnity and quietness of the place contributes to the conducive atmosphere needed to spend time with God. Since it is a holy place dedicated to spending time with God, people don't really interact with each other, save for nods and smiles of acknowledgement. Stella O is a place where I can be alone and safe to spend quality time with the Lord."- Nat Roque

Summary

nina_palafox — 2020-03-11 13:49:38 UTC

Stella Orientis is a safe place where you can talk to God peacefully. This holy chapel is where you can go after a stressful day or any day of the week because of this serene atmosphere that help you reflect and pray. Stella Orientis is a place of worship and places like this are usually of minimal to no noise but that does not mean that human interaction is not allowed.

What human interaction take place in the chapel?
- Based from the answers given by students who often go to the Stella Orientis, it is common for visitors to nod and smile at each other even if these people are complete strangers. This just shows how religion paves way for new connections.

The Ceiling

nina_palafox — 2020-03-11 13:56:05 UTC

Left Side of the Chapel

nina_palafox — 2020-03-11 14:01:52 UTC

Right Side of the Chapel

nina_palafox — 2020-03-11 14:02:29 UTC

The Altar

nina_palafox — 2020-03-11 14:14:54 UTC

fabiennedeguzman — 2026-05-18 05:50:10 UTC

The Stella Orientis Chapel is a compact quadrilateral space with an octagonal dome-like ceiling that draws the eye upward, creating an illusion of greater size. Inside, the golden altar anchors the space as the focal point, featuring five paintings of the Virgin Mary, while natural light enters through large windows on one side and confession rooms line the opposite wall. An adoration room sits to the right, and the stations of the cross are hung around the chapel, with pews filling the floor for mass or private reflection. At the very center of the high ceiling, a sculpted dove completes the vertical design.