HONOR AWARD FOR RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE , NEW FACILITIES
Allen Russ Photography , LLC Pedro Pegenaute
Church and Parish Center Santa Maria Assumpta Tarragona , Spain Daniel Gimeno and Miguel Guitart , Gimeno Guitart
The new church of Santa Maria Assumpta emerges from the urban fabric of the Bonavista neighborhood in the city of Tarragona as a large stone edifice framed by the neutral L-shaped background of the parish center . The building retains the urban fabric from the east and north , freeing the public corner of the site next to an open plaza . Access to the parish center occurs through a private outdoor space defined by the void between the two buildings , which becomes a realm for exchange and relation . This space is limited by the smaller areas of the sacristy and the side access to the church , both protruding from the concrete base of the nave .
The main entrance to the nave from the plaza takes visitors through a large opening within the main façade . Dramatic heights inside the church are lit by two concealed clerestory windows that run the length of the building . The alabaster used to close off the openings generates a natural , scenographic , and smooth light inside . The material experience of the new space is sparse and assertive . Sparseness helps achieve a serene and profound place for everyone . Structure , form , and space speak to universal values in the church and parish center in Bonavista .
JURY COMMENTS : A contemporary version of a community church . The scale of this church complex on the piazza is well ordered . The restrained interior with its warm materials balances with the engaging exterior of articulated concrete . Natural light throughout the building is subtle along with the inclusion of views .
AWARD FOR RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE , NEW FACILITIES
Episcopal Church of the Resurrection Alexandria , VA Cunningham Quill Architects PLLC
The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection ’ s new building was codesigned with 100 percent affordable housing and incorporates environmental site features . The church was previously disconnected from the adjacent
boulevard by a steep hill covered with invasive plants . A new grand stair connects pedestrians from the boulevard to a series of gathering spaces , courtyards , and play areas adjacent to the church and affordable housing . Drought-resistant , noninvasive native plantings on hillside terraces replaced the previous invasive species . Permeable asphalt , reinforced turf geofabric porous paving , and green roof planted areas replaced impervious paving and hardscape .
The church framework consists of a lower north-south narthex lobby axis and a higher east-west parish hall-sanctuary nave axis . An administrative office and support spaces surround the eastwest axis . The sanctuary nave engages the incline of the hillside at the top of the slope , and the church tower captures morning and evening light . The parish hall incorporates a raised roof form , creating an open environment for discussion . Glass partitions at the convergence of the nave and parish hall and narthex open to connect both spaces , allowing for larger gatherings . Despite a limited budget , a new , dynamic , naturally lit church was created , reenergizing an established parish .
JURY COMMENTS : This church sends a message about a parish partnering with affordable housing . The theme is prayer united with good works . It is a magnificent effort of making a small piece of the composition a sanctuary amid the housing complex . The church is balanced in its small scale . This project of joining housing with worship is a model for the future .
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