Designing a church offers a unique opportunity to explore symbolic, mystical, and expressive dimensions. Throughout history, the fusion of art and religion has gifted humanity with magical and inspiring experiences that enrich our lives, thoughts, and souls.
This church, both a physical manifestation of the divine and a representation of humanity, plays a vital role in shaping emotions. For believers and non-believers alike, it stands as a living symbol conveying transcendent meaning, inviting us to look beyond the visible and engage with life on a deeper level.
My initial impression and inspiration came during my first visit to this site. The design features clear and distinct shapes, supported by meaningful symbols that strongly express the intended message. The curves are deliberately introduced from the outset, embodying a posture of reception and protection.
– The fish shape, a powerful Catholic symbol, represents Jesus Christ, the Savior.
– Water droplets symbolize purity and blessing, relating to the Christian initiation ceremony of baptism.
– The design respects tradition with axial plant distribution and other features typical of classical Christian churches. The curved shape resembling a church’s head symbolizes the body.
▲ Conceptual Analysis
The adjacent street features steep slopes, while the church is positioned on a central platform. Two curved walls, nearly detached from the ground, guide visitors toward the main entrance. These walls align with key interior landmarks such as baptismal halls, shrines, and altars, creating spatial cues throughout the building.
Exterior Views
(BIM Learning)
Interior Views
Project Drawings
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ East Elevation View
▲ West Elevation View
▲ South Elevation View
▲ North Elevation View
▲ Section A
▲ Section B
Project Information
Design Company: FCC Arquitectura
Location: Lagares, Felgueiras, Portugal
Category: Church
Lead Architects: Fernando Coelho, Ana Loureiro
Project Team: Fernando Coelho, Ana Loureiro, Sérgio Silva, Luís Vieira, Diana Teixeira
Area: 1,615 m²
Year: 2019
Photographer: Fernando Guerra | FG+SG
Manufacturers: José Leite, CIN, Viero, Felpedras, Roc (BIM training), Technal
Client: Factory of the Parish Church of Lagares
Engineer: Paulo Oliveira
Sculptor: Paulo Neves
Construction: Luís Teixeira Vieira
Building Area: 1,015.65 m²
Site Area: 3,761 m²
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up