Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel

In the Philippines, religion and faith are central to community life, with Catholic structures serving as spiritual anchors that transcend architecture, creating spaces for communal faith, tradition, and identity.



Located in Filinvest City, Philippines, the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel serves as a symbol of love and peace. Its winding pathway is reminiscent of Via Dolorosa, the path of Jesus’ journey to his crucifixion in the Tale of Golgotha. At the top sits not the cross but an inverted white lily symbolizing Mary, the virgin mother, and her welcoming embrace. Designed by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP Architects, the chapel’s biophilic design blends harmoniously with its surroundings, symbolizing unity with nature. The building extends gracefully along the hill’s natural silhouette, with gardens that preserve century-old Acacia trees following the curve of the river, anchoring the symbolism of water as a source of spiritual renewal and rebirth.



The Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel incorporates several Marian motifs. The roof mirrors the flower held by Angel Gabriel during his visit to Mary and also represents purity and femininity as embodied by its architecture of undulating curves mimicking Mary’s flowy white veil. Upon entering, the chapel’s ethereal lighting creates an atmosphere evocative of a Marian apparition. The stained glass embodies a six-fold symmetrical pattern referred to as the "flower of life." Designed by Helen Whittaker of Barley Studios, each window consists of eighteen sections, symbolizing the eighteen Marian apparitions witnessed by Saint Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France. The six windows feature colors arranged in a rainbow sequence around the Chapel, serving as a visual reminder of God's covenant of grace as the light changes from sunrise to sunset.



The interior materials further reflect the Marian theme. Calacatta marble with bold veining enhances the altar, symbolizing divine purity, while natural stone tiles ensure durability, grounding the chapel’s timeless design. The curved teakwood pews contribute to the chapel’s delicate, feminine symbolism.



The Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel stands as a symbol of peace and grace, harmonizing spirituality, architecture, and nature within a vibrant urban setting.