As Maya Lin states, “the design for the chapel comes from the Children’s Defense Fund’s motto: ‘Dear Lord be good to me / The Sea is so wide / and my boat is so small.’” The main part of the chapel resembles the boat described in this quote. Maya Lin wanted to create a juxtaposition with the existing buildings already in the area, with a stark contrast between the very straight and rectangular forms and the smooth, curved form of the chapel. Lin also wanted to create a space where many people could gather, inside or out. The outdoor space allows for a tent to be set up so people can gather and be shielded from the elements. The chapel was centered around the outdoor courtyard with connections to the administration building and other offices, allowing for the smooth flow of people between buildings.

https://www.mayalinstudio.com/architecture/riggio-lynch-chapel