Assignment: Design Competition
Services: Feasibility Study
There are several things to consider when working with religious architecture. For example, how the building relates to other parts of the city and community, respecting religious traditions and themes. But it’s also important how it embodies innovation, so that new churches can resonate with modern sensibilities and respond to sustainability practices.
We have developed design proposals for two churches located in different areas of Italy, each with its own specificities and priorities. However, in all of them we have embedded our design values, functional and aesthetic aspects and our vision of religious architecture. We will first outline some of the specific features of the three churches and then highlight their common themes.
Church in Fiano Romano
The new church in Fiano Romano (Central Italy) aims to serve the surrounding community by providing a space for both religious and social activities. Situated between the outskirts of the town and the open countryside, it links the two spaces. This avoids urban fragmentation and the exclusion of peripheral areas.
Design Competition, Second Prize.
Church in Locri
The church in Locri (Southern Italy) is uniquely located between land and sea, an aspect that we have taken into account in our design, both in terms of functionality and aesthetics. The building works as an ‘open door’ between the two, symbolising the encounter between the local community and other cultures. The design illustrates this idea by including a lay area for the community as well as the typical religious areas. This makes it possible to hold social and educational events, concerts and the like.
Design Competition, Finalist.
Religious architecture: common themes
The churches are located in different parts of Italy, with different positions in the city and the community. However, while taking these differences into account, we have also developed a common vision for religious architecture.
Firstly, the design takes into account how the church needs to interact with the community and provides spaces and features that make it possible, such as spaces for social gatherings or gardens.
Another important aspect is that churches are recognisable as such, even though they respond to modern sensibilities and aesthetic sobriety. Churches therefore retain their traditional architectural features, such as the portico, the bell tower, the rose window, the hortus conclusus and sacred art.
We have incorporated strategies for environmental sustainability in both churches, tailoring them to local needs. We did this in accordance with the principles of the ‘passive Haus,’ where careful planning allows natural ventilation to reduce the need for air conditioning. Chosen materials are durable and sustainable, aiming to reduce maintenance for at least the next 25 years. Green spaces will be extended and improved, including the planting of new trees and plants.
Finally, in terms of light and sound, we have made a number of technical design choices so that worshippers can enjoy a subtle illuminated penumbra and soft sounds. This not only makes the environment more welcoming and peaceful, but also reduces the need and cost for artificial lighting and sound systems.
