Absence (Pilgrims Heaven Competition)

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Absence (Pilgrims Heaven Competition)

Firm

if Atelier

Type

Hospitality + Sport › Hotel Restaurant
Cultural › Cultural Center Religious Memorial

STATUS

Concept

SIZE

5000 sqft - 10,000 sqft

BUDGET

Unknown

The close linkage of our project with an already existing historical complex constituted a very particular designing challenge. In order to interfere as little as possible in the context of the site, we looked for traditional ways of construction during the repair and maintenance of ancient buildings: the wooden components, used in the building, had to be made in a way so as to be able to disappear completely after the end of the project without leaving any trace of their presence. As hinted at by such uses of wooden scaffolding in these historic undertakings, a similar approach was thus adopted. It's about providing a sensitive equilibrium between the presence and the absence, whereby the new structure could be regarded as if it had always been part of the landscape, with the building lines integrated into an existing context already in place.
We adopted a modular, incremental approach to respond to the temporary nature of the project, the uncertain user needs, and the design flexibility. Such a format allows for adjustment with potential changes in conditions; users can therefore easily modify, expand, or contract it in the future. Another positive aspect of this module is the ability it gives one to orient units at varying angles and orientations to form agreement with the set site walls.
For the realization of this modular approach, a base unit and grid system were designed, informed by Centuriation land division techniques devised by the ancient Romans. Similar to a Finitore employing a Groma, we created a grid aligned with the church's primary axes. This grid geometrically structured organic growth and expansion of modular units across the site. We achieved a comprehensive and extensible spatial order adapted to the general design by aligning the modules to this grid.
In selecting the 3x3 module as the basic unit for this project, the development raised it a little above the ground in view of keeping unit's physical footprint to the minimum so as not to disturb the historical value of the Church Complex. This will also provide for the unobtrusive accommodation of all essential infrastructure, including electrical, mechanical, and HVAC systems, while maintaining a visually harmonious relationship with the existing context.
Minimum intervention was applied both visually and physically. Several separating facades between modules were designed at different degrees of transparency, ranging from fully transparent for public space to opaque for private space. This allows users always to feel connected with the historical context but maintain the privacy they need. Curtains on facades and transparent ceilings add the possibility for better user control over light, visibility, and privacy in the modules.
Also, the spatial organization of the project represents a well-defined hierarchy: the private functions of residential accommodation and refreshment area for a pilgrim are located farthest from the entrance to keep them in privacy, turning them intimate. Public spaces such as a reception area and shop are sited near the main access, allowing it to be inviting and accessible. The three lounges distributed within the site supported prolonging the spatial experience for more purposes: one public lounge, sited on the periphery and directly linked with the urban context and the cultural products shop. The semi-public lounge is in a transitional position in relation to the city and the complex; it is a common area for visitors and pilgrims. Finally, the private lounge is situated near the residential area and the church in order to provide a more exclusive retreat for the complex users.
The modular grid system proved to be so valuable in defining bedroom spaces. One module allowed for a private room, while two and three modules, depending on the side, expanded into comfortable double rooms or dormitories. Each bedroom module was designed in such a way that it gave the pilgrims a personal courtyard so that they could receive open sky with natural light during their rest. A cluster of bedrooms was placed on the eastern part of the site, embracing the old tower, which became a privileged and enlightening viewpoint. In terms of accessibility, we applied different ramps in some bedroom modules instead of stairs. Further to this, all public spaces including reception zone, lounges, restaurant, and shop, have accessible with the help of ramps, showing project's concern for inclusivity.
This modular, grid-based structure gives way to an adaptive solution that can be altered at any possible instance. The least intervention with the historical context makes the project flexible and ready for changes or even removal that might be required in the future. Due to its inborn ability for adaptability, the design has further alternative configurations to fit in well with the evolving conditions, showing resilience and a forward-thinking approach.