Rwanda Chapel
Rukomo, Rwanda
Competition by Young Architects Competitions
Team: Gustavo Arruda Teo, Guilherme Iorio Könsgen, Eduardo Sommer Farias
THE SACRED WITHIN US
According to Christian belief, God created mankind in His own image and resemblance. Therefore, comes up the idea of finding the image of the sacred in our fellow beings, facilitating a relation between religious teachings and our experience in lifetime.
The intention of narrowing the distance between the divine and the mundane is quite pertinent considering the past of contrasts and segregations in Rwanda. Therefore, for the purpose to be fulfilled, the project is organized in areas that attend three different moments: fraternization, introspection and contemplation.
The entrance space is marked by a wide light support base and it can receive moments of fraternization, regardless of a religious event, this cozy space allows shelter for large external ceremonies. Also there is the inner space, a local for moments of introspection, composed of nave, altar and auxiliary rooms. Finally, there is a long staircase that circles the concrete shell and acts as a path with a closed-view to the sky. By the end of the staircase, there is a contemplation belvedere with a view to the sublime Rwandan landscape, promoting a reflection through the contrast between the images of heaven and earth.
The result of the proposed architectural object is the materialization of faith in Rukomo, in order to become a religious and self-evident landmark in the community, consolidating the identity of the local people.
