andrea maffei proposes singular curved roof canopy for cinisi church competition

andrea maffei proposes singular curved roof canopy for cinisi church competition
all images courtesy of andrea maffei architects

italian architect andrea maffei has shared images of his proposed church design for the sicilian town of cinisi. in addition to the main building, the design comprises a large public square that allows for external congregation. the church is defined by a single enveloping façade with a large bronze door providing access from the adjacent square.

upon entering the space, the eye is drawn towards a large glazed window behind the altar, while small perforations in the vaulted roof canopy allow shards of light to illuminate the church’s nave. a more secluded setting behind the primary building features a shallow channel of water within which a large cross stands, representing the resurrection of christ. the site’s ancillary structures, such as the sacristy and classrooms, are linked via a long colonnaded portico that provides a continuous covered walkway to the church.

the church is defined by a single, curving, enveloping façade

small perforations in the vaulted roof canopy allow shards of light to illuminate the church’s nave

an aerial view of the competition site

a long colonnaded portico provides a continuous covered walkway to the church

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project info:

name: church and parish design competition in cinisi (palermo)
location: cinisi, italy
program: invited competition for a church and parish
client: arcidiocesi monrela, CEI
project: andrea maffei
status: competition entry
design team: giuliano godoli, stefano bergagna, davide cazzaniga / andrea maffei architects, milan     
liturgist: don roberto tagliaferri
total area: 8.76 sqm
built area: 2.63 sqm
maximum building height: 11 meters
materials: stone, concrete, glass