Designed by Mario Cucinella Architects, the recently completed Santa Maria Goretti Church is situated in the Calabrian hill town of Mormanno, Italy. The solitary, serene, and monolithic appearance of the building is inspired by natural forms as well as the austere and beautiful apsidal Calabrian churches constructed by monks escaping persecution from the eastern reaches of the former Roman Empire. This new parish is dedicated to Saint Maria Goretti (1890-1902) – the Catholic Church’s youngest saint.
A single-storey framed largely in concrete, the building houses a parish meeting room, church classrooms, and the residence of the priest. These uses are gathered around a central planted courtyard under a living ‘green’ roof. The north side of the parish centre features a scalloped roofline that is in harmony with the four-leafed clover plan and form of the church. The clergy can enter the church from behind the altar through a sacristy concealed within the curved walls. Church bells are also concealed within the walls.
The public enters the church through a tall incision made in one of the building’s four white concrete apses with the entry appearing as a cross that is illuminated at night. Furniture in wood and steel by Mario Cucinella Design is minimal and austere to highlight the architectural and sculptural elements of the church interior.
The interior concept has been inspired by, on the one hand, the ceremonial nature of eucharist and prayer and, on the other, by the geometries of Italy’s most compelling Baroque churches. Precedents include Francesco Borromini’s San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane and Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza, both in Rome.
The interior is lit diaphanously from above through folds of translucent fabric that are suspended in the form of curvaceous drapes from the 16-meter-high ceiling. In addition to the constant play of daylight afforded by the veils hanging from the ceiling, on one day in the year - 6th July, the Feast of Saint Maria Goretti - a beam of sunlight shines directly on the crucifix set on the wall behind the altar.
The church is designed and constructed so that energy use and the need for maintenance are minimal. The sustainability of the project is further enhanced by green roofs and planted internal courtyards.
In summary, nature, art, architecture and religious faith, and symbolism work in spiritual harmony.
