The concept for the new Cathedral
Notre Dame de l'Assomption originates from a suggestion derived from the
gesture of folded hands, a symbol of prayer and commemoration for the victims
of the earthquake. The resulting sign, with its double evocative and symbolic
meaning, generates 10 elements that constitute an unitary and organic building,
able to formally explicitate the idea of Christian community.
Searching for a renewal in the
design of religious buildings, the entire composition celebrates the themes of
the tradition of the Great Cathedrals using an architectural language proper of
our own time.
The layout of the new Cathedral
develops on the trace of the previous one, maintaining the latin cross
structure, the same dimensions and planimetric development.
The functional organization of the
space aims to facilitate the regular rites performance and the involving and
active participation of the entire People of God through a hierarchical
disposition in accordance with the liturgical norms.
Analyzing the climatic
characteristics of the site, it was possible to design a bioclimatic cathedral,
able to make the most of the energy of the sun and the wind and reap the
benefits for indoor and outdoor comfort. The outside air is cooled by heat
transfering to the ground which is naturally cold, and then put into the
cathedral, whose tall chimneys promote the expulsion of exhausted air
generating natural cooling and ventilation.
The building has a mixed
steel-wooden structure. The external envelope is made of prefabricated
modular steel beams assembled on site, covered on the outside by a ventilated concrete-like
façade, and inside
with acoustic wooden panels. Inside the cathedral, large double-hinged glulam
arches mark the progression of spaces. The foundations are carried out in situ
with a double reinforced concrete slab, including seismic isolators. All
glasses used are selective low-emissive for greater
control of the solar radiation, especially on the south front.
The total cost required for the construction amounts to U.S. $ 32
millions, divided as follows: foundations 15%, structure 15%, mechanical
electrical and special facilities 10%, civil works 50%, overheads and
contingencies 10%. A reduction of 20% was obtained, compared to the budget
specified in the invitation, through the adoption of simple, easily
maintainable and economical technologies and construction techniques yet
extremely effective to achieve a high quality project.