Delores Söderquist Brehm Chapel – University of Michigan Hospital
Ann Arbor, MI
Architect: University of Michigan Interior Design
University of Michigan Health commissioned us to work on this captivating and meaningful chapel project, collaborating with Niagara Murano Architects and U of M’s interior designer, Kate Stahl. We were brought in to thoughtfully design the decorative embellishments to this beautiful blade wall, as well as engineer, fabricate and install this complex piece. The 1” thick quarter-sawn, solid white oak vertical blades have a landscape of infill panels of undulating hills and gracefully CNC-cut drawn arcs adding texture and detail. Our scope also included engineering the integrated footer and ceiling that allowed for both blade and infill panels to be removable to meet necessary access.
Perforations of stars and “Seed of Life” imagery twinkle in the light in front of the ethereal circular backdrop. This chapel, open to all, provides a sense of warmth, hopefulness and quiet beauty.
The custom altar, lectern and nesting tables were intentionally designed to coordinate with the look and feel of the interior. InRelief “Seed of Life” patterning was added to the altar and lectern, providing a modern carved light and shadow detail. The nesting tables, with solid surface quartz tops, were engineered for mobility and flexibility in function with concealed casters.
Drawing one into the Chapel is the continued pattern on both the exterior and interior entryway screen. Providing a warm, visual entryway in the hospital’s corridor.
