Setre Chapel is an L shape construction situated on the edge of a bay in the city of Kobe in Japan. Ryuichi Ashizawa’s intention was to create a space open to all people regardless their religion. This is why there are no religious symbols, symbols that raise obstacles and make distinctions among the believers. Setre chapel follows the simple minimal japanese design utilizing the space and light carefully but also considering the concept of yin and yang.

Setre Chapel’s Exterior walls are painted white as a symbol of  purity, cleanliness and neutrality. It is also a color that makes Setre Chapel  blend in nicely with the surroundings and the sky.

A floor to ceiling window with view to the sea leaves the visitor mezmerized as he witness the changes of the colors throughout the day. It also allows the exterior light brighten the interior; wirror walls distribute this light all over the place and transform the room into a spacious area.

Ryuichi Ashizawa

An architect. Born in 1971, Kanagawa. Graduated from Waseda University, Arch in the Department of Science and Engineering. Worked atTadao Ando Architect & Associates from 1994 to 2000 and established Ryuichi Ashizawa Architects & Associates in 2001.

Some great examples of his works are salon “Forest of light” the spaces of which can change through penetration and reflection of light, a single apartment building in terrace style “SHH” whose concept is community,”SETRE Chapel”  where you can feel the change of sun light, and “grounding project” which he reconsidered relationship between architecture and environment in the city.

He got awarded prizes including the JCD Design Award, IP Award and the Good Design Award, 1st Prize of The 50th Osaka architecture Award, Lighting Technology Award, LEAF AWARD 2007, Best New Architect in WEST JAPAN, SD Review 2007 SD Award (JAPAN), ENERGY GLOBE AWARD2007  [National ENERGY GLOBE AWARD Japan], Austria, Ｗon the prize of THE 2008 INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURE AWARDS AT CHICAGO ATHENAEUM. Chicago, USA.

A – section plan

B – section plan