Chapel of Francisco de Vitoria University – Madrid, Spain
Title
Chapel of Francisco de Vitoria University – Madrid, Spain
Designed by
Estudio Arquitectura Hago
Image Credit
© Javier Callejas
Website Source
Project
Project Description provided by Archello - In the middle of 2020, a building is planned to be the campus chapel of the Francisco de Vitoria University in Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid). Two large domes are supported by seven columns. The large central elliptical dome, 12 meters high, rests on a large perimeter beam that in turn is supported by seven pillars. This vault faces and connects to another element with the same cupular character that acts as an apse, reaching 15 meters and consolidating itself as the highest point of the building. The lower floor cannot be understood without the temple. For this reason, direct access has been provided from inside the sacred space, in a manner analogous to the connection to the choir. The Faith Formation Center reproduces the elliptical shape of the church underground. This shape is enhanced by the presence of the English courtyards that flank the large central hall for large events and conferences. These courtyards, which are covered by the large dome, allow the circulation spaces in the underground floor to be sheltered from the weather, as well as adequately ventilate and illuminate the smaller classrooms around the perimeter.
An elliptical layout is planned to organize the architectural, spatial and aesthetic-theological elements. In the tradition of the Church, the ellipse brings together in its geometry the perfection of the circle and the directionality required to manifest the theological directional sense of the Christian temple. The theological sense suggested by the design of the chapel is the following:
- Two tents: build two tents that reference the place where the tabernacle will reside and the space that will house the assembly (the university community), as referenced in Hebrews 9.
- Seven Pillars of Wisdom: build a support for these tents in the form of domes inspired by the reference in Proverbs 9 about erecting seven pillars.
- Parables of the Kingdom: connecting with the charisma of the congregation promoting the project, it is proposed that the iconographic discourse deals, among other themes, with the parabolic teaching contained in Matthew 13.
