Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel: Filipino's Sanctuary of Faith

Interview | Wen-Chi Hsueh Transforms the Ordinary into Exceptional Designs

March 18, 2025

From Parsons to Global Galleries: Lingyi Kong’s Design Dedication

March 18, 2025

Published by Sylvester at March 18, 2025

Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel | London Design Awards

A Symbol of Faith, Renewal, and Peace

Faith and religion are two terms that have often been used interchangeably, but how true are they? What's true is that religion and faith are powerfully entwined into the everyday lives of Filipinos. In the Philippines, Catholic churches are a symbol of history, tradition, and communal identity for the Filipinos, not just a place of worship but of cultural identity. Among these holy sites, Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel in Filinvest City happens to be a remarkable example of spiritual architecture, combining devotion with an appreciation for nature and design.

Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel is located in Alabang, an emerging area in Metro Manila, Philippines. The Chapel was designed by both Hiroshi Makamura & NAP Architects which drawn inspiration from both biblical narratives and Marian symbolism. The site faces Alabang River and is located on a hill. This inturn is similar to the hill of Golgotha, and a long approach was created by meandering the slope to the top. This is to prepare the state of mind from the mundane life, and to relive "Via Dolorosa'' (path of suffering) that followed the sentencing of Jesus Christ's crucifixion. The Chapel was designed by Hiroshi Makamura & NAP Architects drawing inspiration from both biblical narratives and Marian symbolism.

At the summit, rather than a cross, an inverted white lily stands as a tribute to the Virgin Mary - an emblem of purity, compassion, and divine grace. This visual representation extends beyond religious symbolism, creating an atmosphere that embraces visitors with a sense of peace and reflection.

The structure interacts harmoniously with its surroundings, following the natural contours of the hillside. Rather than imposing on the land, the chapel respects and enhances its environment, preserving century-old Acacia trees that frame its garden spaces. A river runs alongside, reinforcing the theme of renewal and spiritual cleansing. This connection to nature transforms the chapel into a place of worship while also becoming a retreat where visitors can reconnect with both faith and the world around them.

The Marian theme continues throughout the architectural details. The roof takes the form of the flower held by Angel Gabriel during the Annunciation, a gesture rich in religious meaning. Soft, flowing curves mimic the gentle folds of Mary’s veil, lending a sense of grace and movement to the structure. Inside, the play of natural light evokes the ethereal glow often associated with Marian apparitions. This intentional use of illumination creates a spiritual ambiance that shifts with the passing hours, offering visitors an ever-changing yet deeply personal experience.

The stained glass windows, designed by Helen Whittaker of Barley Studios, further reinforce these themes. Each features an intricate six-fold pattern known as the "flower of life," consisting of eighteen sections - a tribute to the eighteen Marian apparitions witnessed by Saint Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France. Arranged in a spectrum of colors, the windows bathe the interior in a shifting glow, a visual representation of God’s promise and an ever-present reminder of faith’s enduring beauty.

Inside, the choice of materials adds to the chapel’s symbolism. The altar, crafted from striking Calacatta marble with bold veining, represents purity and divine presence. Curved teakwood pews invite worshippers to sit in quiet contemplation, their warm tones complementing the chapel’s organic design. Natural stone tiles ground the space, reinforcing the chapel’s connection to the earth and the permanence of faith.

Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel is a true representation of unity of spirituality, architecture, and nature which achieved them the Design of the Year in the recent London Design Awards. It is a space where devote Christians find solace, inspiration and even quiet reflection.