Rwanda Chapel | Antonio Giannoccaro

The proposal foresees two kind of intervention at the same time: one about architecture and the other about landscape modification. Indeed toghether with the construction of the temple, an important operation of new trees plantation is proposed in order to create, toghether with the existing ones a sort of large natural  “ square/churchyard” in front of the chapel which would become the heart of religious community life  and that could be used for celebrating Mass in case of a larger audiance of pilgrims.

The architectural proposal has two mains objectives: creating a temple which would become a spiritual reference for local community and introducing a strong element in the landscape able to redefine and characterize it.

The Chapel is a raw and sculptural building surrounded by vegetation whose sinuous lines it fits with spontaneity.

The Church is oriented in the east just like in the old Christian tradition  and its facade stands out emerging from the trees and marking the lanscape. Proceeding from east toward west the building progressively sank into the ground establishing a strong connection with it.

The forked structure has two patios in his western ends: one is the atrium and the other is a light-capture space and can be used as an extension of the nave.

Another patio in in the underground level, and it’s characterized by the presence of a floor baptismal font that uses the rain water. Moreover a little underground crypt situated in the western end of the building overlooks this patio.

The interior space of the church is a place dedicated to meditation and introspection and it’s made solemn by the few presence of windows that create dark environnement punctually illuminated.

The raw finish of the concrete contrast with the pure form of the building and gives it that essential and rough apparence that well represents the principles of concreteness and poverty who inspire the Clarisses.

The presbytery  is illuminated by a natural zenithal light and it’s characterized by the presence of three wood crosses which rapresent the impenitent thief who shared with Jesus the sorrow of the crucifixion and remarks the unquestionable nearness of this religious community to the lost souls.