a team comprising francesco lipari of OFL architecture and arup has finished runner-up in a competition to design the new parish church of locri — a town in calabria, southern italy. the project is defined by its dramatic roof canopy that features seven peaks — the tallest of which is crowned with a cross. positioned in north-west corner of the plot, the place of worship is surrounded by a churchyard that allows the building to be seen with great visibility.

francesco lipari locri
all images © francesco lipari

 

 

francesco lipari, who founded OFL architecture in 2009, designed the church as a place of ‘moral integration and of hospitality’ where parishioners and the broader community are invited to come together. positioned in the north-west corner of the plot, adjacent to the passing street, the building enters into a dialogue with its context. the form of the roof canopy also ensures a degree of thermal comfort, with calabria’s temperate climate considered throughout.

francesco lipari locri

 

 

in order to preserve the purity of the design, all structural elements are contained within the cladding and continuous façades. a system of steel arches and pillars supports the roof canopy, while a perimeter ring acts as bracing that stabilizes the entire building. diffused natural light, complemented with dimmable LEDs, enters through the canopy ensuring a consistent level of illumination. meanwhile, lining made of fir wood and sound-absorbing surfaces ensure good acoustic performance.

francesco lipari locri

francesco lipari locri

francesco lipari proposes to top locri church in southern italy with undulating roof

francesco lipari proposes to top locri church in southern italy with undulating roof

francesco lipari proposes to top locri church in southern italy with undulating roof

francesco lipari proposes to top locri church in southern italy with undulating roof

francesco lipari proposes to top locri church in southern italy with undulating roof

francesco lipari proposes to top locri church in southern italy with undulating roof

 

 

project info:

 

name: new church san giovanni bosco padre e maestro dei giovani
author: francesco lipari (OFL architecture)
artist: davide holz
liturgist: padre luciano calabrese
consultants: arup italia srl (structures, sustainability, acoustic, plant engineering), giorgio butturini (lighting)
video: gabro nicolosi
animation: alberto iacona
render: francesco lipari
location: locri, reggio calabria, italy
client: locri parish church
area: 650 sqm / 7,000 sqf
year: 2019
result: second place