Due to unforeseen circumstances, cf3 is postponing the Bellarmine Chapel tour for September 10th. We hope to reschedule this event for October and will send out a new invitiation once we have confirmed a date.
Stay tuned for other upcoming events in October / November. Please let us know if you have any questions, and on behalf of the board, we apologize for any inconvenience.
Greetings cf3 members and modernist friends
When: 10am, Saturday, September 10, 2016
Where: Xavier University Bellarmine Chapel
What: Of the many iconic Mid Century Modern roof lines, one of the most dynamic was the Hyperbolic Paraboloid roof. Also referred to as a ‘saddle’ or ‘hypar’ roof, this roof style consists of a convex curved plane that engages the ground most often in (2) locations to create a clear roof span to create clear span expanses uninterrupted. You may be familiar with one of the most iconic houses with this roof style, the Catalano House located in Raleigh, North Carolina and designed by the late MCM Architect Eduardo Catalano. More photos and info on this house can be found here: http://www.ncmodernist.org/catalano.htm
Cincinnati is fortunate to have one of these iconic structures, Bellarmine Chapel located at Xavier University. Built in 1962 and designed by Architect Albert V. Walters, the Bellarmine Chapel’s roof has a 122 foot roof span is supported by steel tension cables underground connected to the roof support pillars. The Chapel’s website notes “The hyperbolic paraboloid was meant as a representation of the advanced style of construction and design.” The Chapel was remodeled in 1998, and an addition was designed and built in 2005.
Please join us for a guided tour by the Interior & Liturgical designers Martha Dorff and her brother Martin Schickel from Schickel Design. Both Martha and Martin have carried on the family’s company tradition with experience working on the building with their father William Schickel. You may also be familiar with William’s work which includes the ‘Love Letter to the Queen’ a MCM mural located in downtown Cincinnati. More about Schickel Design’s work: http://www.schickeldesign.com/
Additionally, Randy Merrill, Vice President of Architecture with McGill Smith Punshon Architects will also be guiding us on the tour. MSP was the Architect of the 2005 addition to the building, Randy will join Martha and Martin to provide a thorough discussion about their work on the building and strategies with such unique structure. More on MSP’s work: http://www.mcgillsmithpunshon.com
Free Parking is available on surrounding campus streets, optionally Xavier does have some paid lots. Please plan to walk a short distance to the center of campus, we will gather in the front of the building and begin the tour around 10:15am. The chapel is located at the end of Musketeer Drive, a printable campus map link can be found here: http://www.xavier.edu/about/documents/campusmap.pdf
Welcome to cf3