Annunciation Tour

Built in 2002

The center for theological studies for

the Mount Angel Seminary is the first new building built on the hilltop since

the Abbey Library was constructed in 1970. The building is 22,000 sf and contains classrooms and offices. The project included removing all vehicular traffic from the hilltop turning it into a pedestrian-friendly, contemplative space. It was designed by SRG Partnership

Learn more about SRG. >>

Abbey Library Tour

Built in 1970

The Library, designed by Finnish Architect Alvar Aalto, was completed in 1970. It is one of two of his works in the United States.

Learn more about Alvar Aalto. >>

Focus of the Tour

• Interplay between the material and the spiritual - how sustainable design solutions were able to express the spiritual vision of the monks
• Natural daylight in the classroom virtually eliminates the need for electric lights except on the darkest of winter days
• Natural ventilation strategies that utilize thermal mass and turbine ventilators for night flush-cooling
• Manual and Automated ventilation controls in all rooms while remaining fully digital for classroom daylight

Focus of the Tour

• First principle of sustainable design: Design buildings to last
  • Design principles in Aalto's work
  • Natural daylighting as the essence of the library scheme
  • Comparison of the Abbey Library to Aalto's other libraries
  • Lessons for contemporary architecture.

Leadership

• Kent Duffy, FAIA, Principal - SRG
• Tim Grinstead, AIA - SRG
• Jocelyn Bates, AIA - SRG
• Art Beyer, AGC - Emerick Construction
• Seminary Staff to be named, president-rector - Mount Angel Seminary

Leadership

• William Tripp, Portland architect, artist and teacher. In 1986 Tripp received a Fulbright Award to study the architecture of Alvar Aalto in Finland. He has presented drawing workshops and lectured on the architecture of Alvar Aalto at Tulane University, the University of Minnesota and at Mount Angel Abbey. He is currently teaching a seminar for graduate students at the University of Oregon entitled Design Analysis: The Work of Alvar Aalto.
• Victoria Ertelt, Abbey librarian
• Fr. Paschal Cheline, OSB, vice rector- Mount Angel Abbey & Seminary