About the School

Charleston Catholic High School (CCHS) has been a cornerstone of faith-based education in Charleston, West Virginia, for over a century. Since its founding in 1923, the school has been dedicated to providing a rigorous academic and spiritual environment for students in the Kanawha Valley. The chapel serves as the spiritual heart of the campus, offering a dedicated space for students and faculty to gather for daily worship, reflection, and sacramental life. As a central part of school life, the chapel’s environment is designed to be a place of calm and grounding amidst the energy of a bustling high school.

Our Work

Our team designed and installed a series of contemporary stained glass windows for the chapel, focused on creating an immersive and modern sacred environment. The project was specifically designed to bridge the rich traditions of the faith with a visual language that resonates with a new generation.

Contemporary Design and Iconography The artistic approach for this chapel departs from traditional literalism, favoring a style that encourages personal reflection:

• Bold Abstraction: The installation utilizes bold abstraction and stylized iconography to transform the chapel’s atmosphere. This modern aesthetic complements the school’s contemporary architecture while maintaining a profound sense of sacredness.
• Geometric Harmony: Through the careful use of light, color, and geometry, the windows turn the chapel into a visually dynamic space. The geometric patterns provide a sense of order and structure that supports a quiet, contemplative environment.

Atmospheric Impact

• Saturated Color and Daylight: We selected highly saturated colors that react beautifully with shifting daylight. As the sun moves throughout the school day, the colors animate the architecture of the chapel, creating a living tapestry of light that fosters moments of peace.
• Spiritually Grounding Space: The resulting work provides a spiritually grounding backdrop for school life. Whether used for a quiet morning prayer or a full school liturgy, the windows help define the chapel as a sanctuary for contemplation and community worship.

Resource

Charleston Catholic High School Official Website: charlestoncatholicwv.org