place for hope and reflection, we exploited the intervention area providing a
public plaza that relates directly to the city not only in terms of religion. People
will be attracted by the magnetic force of this element that will act as a proper
landmark, affecting the area with its only presence.
The prayer space, the catalyst centre of the project, is elevated from the street
level, enhancing the sense of ascent, through an access stair, and the verticality
of the building itself. The height is also meant to facilitate the natural
ventilation with the ‘chimney effect’: the air enter the building through some
openings in the lower part and come out from the top.
During the rainy season, the part of the building below the spiritual space
become a water tank for rainwater harvesting. The rain, coming from the
opening on the roof, is naturally filtered and distributed to the people, clean
and drinkable, through a fountain at the level of the plaza.
While the building symbolises the possible space sharing between different
faiths, the public square is the medium for the exchange between religion and
city, between religion and people. It is the place where it’s possible to meet
each other, to take water as needed, to see public shows, to make a market,
to propose assemblies, facilitated by the presence of a cavea. The gentle
slope allows an easy access to the square and provide a sense of protection
clearly delimitating the area. Despite its ambitions, the building is designed
considering sustainability and ease of construction.
The thick walls required for the stability are composed by earth bags, using the
earth from the excavation of the plaza, covered with mud and clay.
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