A modern chapel by Nicholas Campodonico
The area of Capilla San Bernardo in Cordoba, Argentina is only 92 square meters, but it took about five years to build. The project by architect Nicolas Campodonico is unique in that it uses sunlight as the main element of the architectural composition, thanks to which the main Christian symbol, the cross, formed by the intersection of two shadows, appears on the brick wall of the chapel. Vertical crossbars that are not connected to each other.
Read about the symbolic meaning the architect gave to this movement of light and shadow, and how important materials and the site were in his concept.
Nicolas Campodonico's designs are primarily an interplay of light, space and matter. Campodonico himself says that his ideas are based on intuitive reactions and observations of everyday life, rather than rigorous design analysis. He believes that the location of the building is a decisive factor, and strives to unite the natural, religious and architectural worlds into one whole. In his understanding, true architecture only emerges when matter and space actively interact, transforming each other's form and state.
The design and construction of the Capilla San Bernardo was developed based on the traditional Argentinian kiln and the forms of the Mexican warehouses, which are traditionally made of brick. The choice of material was largely determined by the location of the chapel on flat terrain. Brick is simply a combination of earth, water and fire. Under the conditions of the plain, it is the most organic of natural materials, so brick has become the main material.
Built brick by brick and laid with artisan precision, the soft curves of the central space contrast with the smooth surfaces and sharp edges of the exterior elements. Holes in the walls, which are placed in a certain way, also complicated the structure of the project. Since the success of the chapel's interior lies in its absolutely precise geometry, the walls were built without moulding. The work was quite painstaking, because even small inaccuracies could lead to the appearance of large shadows on the walls, which would violate the original concept.
There is no running water or electricity in the area where the chapel is located. The unique atmosphere is created only by the sunlight and the flat landscape. The entrance to Capilla San Bernardo is on the north side, and the area in front is paved with brick. Inside the chapel is a path that reveals the unexpectedly impressive interior to the observer. If the building has straight lines from the outside, then they are curved from the inside.
Sunlight enters through an opening on the western side of the chapel. The shape of the building is designed so that the light does not emphasize protrusions or sharp corners. Two wooden beams are placed in the gallery, one vertical and the other horizontal. They are not related to each other. Shadows from these rays fall on the inner wall of the chapel. As the sunlight moves, the shadows gradually move closer together and eventually form a cross on the east wall. According to the architect's intention, this effect symbolizes and visually represents the path of Jesus Christ.
Building name: Capilla San Bernardo
Author: Nicholas Campodonico
Year of construction: 2015
Location: Cordoba, Argentina