The idea consists in creating a space for spiritual contemplation in an environment of free choice.
The chapel is a reflection of creating a strong space that breaks radically with the context, with its minimalist form and imposing scale.
Comprised of an equilateral triangle 15 mt is projected above the ground, with a diagonal on the edge of a tip and base, access which is preceded by a ramp 15 mt with a slope of 5% which allows you create the ascent of almost in perceptual manner.
In the concave interior there is a concrete block hanging just above the prayer space, where paradoxically the space containing the individual scale, fully forward and perpendicular to a side of the triangle have a horizontal crack piercing the wall diagonally allowing more light (symbol of the metaphysical) in the midday hours. Between the wall of the crack and space to pray there is a gap with the function of creating a rift between the light (the divine) and the person as a symbol of respect.
courtesy of MIGUEL ANGEL GALVIS ALZATE
It also plays an important role materiality reflecting the concept of monumentality and grandeur, poured concrete view with formwork wood, a system of load-bearing walls that create a cover from which hangs a tensioning iron wire holding that volume, to give the feeling of heaviness yet lightness.
The context is a rural space (in the Andean zone- South America) where commonly inhabit the people who work the land (peasants) space where religion takes an important role, and sometimes do not have a space for this activity, the intention of the proposal is that the space projecting over nature, which must be in a space near their daily work.
courtesy of MIGUEL ANGEL GALVIS ALZATE
Project Credits:
Name project: CHURCH I
STUDENT DESIGNER: MIGUEL ANGEL GALVIS ALZATE
University: Faculty of Architecture of Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Helper: Mateo Parra
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Maiar Mansour is an editor at Arch2O with a unique lens shaped by her background in architecture, visual arts, and human-centered design. A graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Maiar discovered her passion for UI/UX through civil society work, storytelling workshops, and freelance design for arts events. Her editorial approach blends emotional intelligence with a strong visual sensibility, guided by a belief in storytelling and design coherence. With training from ITI and Udacity and hands-on experience as a UI/UX designer, she brings fresh perspectives on how environments shape human behavior, emotion, and interaction in design.