The Fallen Church Competition

Concept Diagrams

The shape of the concert hall derives from the methodology used in the creation of the small Sassi in Matera. It is by carving the initial volume that we achieved to have an irregular rock-like form for the concert hall.

Map

Chiesa Diruta is a Renaissance church in the region of Matera. It is located on top of the hilly topography of Grottole. Under Grottole’s landscape lies a multitude of dwellings carved into rock.

Sections A-A

Sections B-B

Plans

Axonometric Drawing Showing Circulation

The ramp leading to the concert hall is adequately designed not only for the circulation of the people but also for the equipment to be transported from the storage space to the concert hall. The stairs starting from the concert hall level lead to the top terrace which has a panoramic view over the village. The stairs commencing from the dressing room are designed for the unique use of staff and artists as a connection between dressing room and backstage.

Starting from our interpretation of the word “re-use”, the intent was to keep the historical narrative of the context but at the same time break away from the existing architectural language of the church and the surrounding. Nevertheless, preserving the remaining part of the church while giving a new architectural character to the space was crucial for us. The Chiesa Diruta has a wonderful view over the hilly landscape of Grottole, under which lies a multitude of dwellings carved into the rocks of Matera. The irregularity of the design is inspired by the strong topographical presence of the rocks in this region. Therefore, the main volume is conceptually conceived as a large rock, inserted in the church with the concert hall placed inside.

The most prominent material used for the exterior of the volume is white concrete which would attract the attention of the visitors. From the very entrance of the church, a receding place is generated. The concert hall volume divides the space in different levels by generating an enclosed cave-like ground floor where the commercial and administrative programs are implemented. Furthermore, the concert hall volume in the nave of the church emphasises the spatial quality of the dome area - dedicated to social space - being the most eminent part of the church due to its height. The area underneath the dome is not only conceived as an atrium for the concert hall but as an extension of the public realm, functioning independently from the organised events.