Hartman at SOM to Design Santa Ana Cathedral

The Diocese of Orange commissioned SOM Design Partner Craig W. Hartman, KSS FAIA, to design its first purpose-built permanent cathedral. Hartman led the design of Oakland's Cathedral of Christ the Light. For this service Pope Benedict XVI created the architect a Knight of the Order of Saint Sylveter. The Oakland cathedral is such as strong design and an idiosyncratic object that it is difficult to know what to expect from this project. It is in some ways analogous to the proverbially difficult sophomore album, and we will certainly follow the progress with great interest. With potentially  two major west coast cathedrals under his belt and the Papal knighthood, Hartman will certainly cement himself as a leading figure in American Catholic church architecture.