Expertises: Architecture, Design
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The Jubilee Church is formally known as Dio Padre Misericordioso and located in Tor Tre Teste; the main purpose of the project was to revive the community and the area. It is one of the most renowned buildings and a truly inexhaustible source of inspiration for designers.
The designer won the international project competition in 1996 because of the brilliant shapes of the building, inspired by the purity of the cube and the sphere. The Church's triangular site is divided into four main parts: first, the precinct, including the church and community center; second, the northeast terrace; third, the northwest recreation court; fourth, the west parking area.
The form generates a series of spaces which along with the great concrete mass control the internal temperature, minimizing energy consumption. The conceptual religious ideas can be found on the inside too; the internal space was carefully designed so that it would respect Christian beliefs and at the same time provide a fully functional space. The main interior attraction is the organ, integrated in a cubical element, another shape that stands at the base of Christianity.
The first and most noticeable thing about the building is the presence of the three concrete shells that arch in graduate heights from 56 to 88 feet. Derived from the shape of the sphere, they contrast with the rest of the structure because of their round shape. Between them and on top too, the designers placed glass ceilings and skylights so that the interior would be flooded with as much natural light as possible, a central motive in Christian religion. During the night, the church’s presence becomes even more significant because of the light emanating from within, animating the surrounding landscape.
The form generates a series of spaces which along with the great concrete mass control the internal temperature, minimizing energy consumption. The conceptual religious ideas can be found on the inside too; the internal space was carefully designed so that it would respect Christian beliefs and at the same time provide a fully functional space. The main interior attraction is the organ, integrated in a cubical element, another shape that stands at the base of Christianity.
The exterior site is laid out in two parts: the western side featuring two courts separated by a paved causeway and a recreational garden and the seond court featuring a reflecting pool, providing a meditation space for the visitors. On an urban level, the Jubilee church has become a landmark for the region; the perfectly balanced proportions and forms along with the materials, the colors generate a wonderful example of how the project of a modern church should be treated, providing inspiration for any architectural project.
Homesthetics conclusion:
There is no need to conclude anything this time. Richard Meier is a renowned architect who has impressed us with his perfectly balanced design which have inspired many designers, teaching us what architecture is all about. However, I do have to say that the Jubilee Church is in my opinion one of his most awesome designs, probably the best.
Architects: Richard Meier and Partners, New York, USA
Location: Tor Tre Teste, Rome, Italy
Client: Vicariato of Rome
Structural engineers: Ove Arup and Partners, Italcementi
Mechanical engineers: Ove Arup and Partners, Luigi Dell’Aquila
Concrete prefabricated panels: Italcementi
Lights and illumination: FMRS, Erco
Year of the competition: 1996
Year of completion: 2003
Constructed area: 830 m2 church, 1671 m2 parish complex
Photographs: Andrea Giannotti, Gabriele Rossetti
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