Musica Universalis
Chiesa Diruta new experience (renovation of Fallen Church)
Music is much older than language and its development is undoubtedly connected with a spiritual experience. The Music of the spheres (Musica Universalis), the ancient philosophical concept developed by Pythagoras, describes the type of music that is not thought to be audible, but rather a harmonic, mathematical or religious resonance. This silent harmony of the universe could only be heard by the soul and offers us a certain feeling of bliss.
The opportunity to bring Chiesa Diruta back to life makes it possible not only to enhance its architectural importance and to re-emerge the ancient social and cultural value of the city of Grottole, but also to recreate the ethereal sensation of the notion music hall as a place of contemplation (not just for ears, but for all senses).
The proposal echoes this thinking and present the Musica Universalis as a new typology. Added to this is the idea of relationship between the music and the silence which is just as important as the contrast between the volume and the void. If the main space of the Fallen church remains unfilled, it allows the music to fluidly contaminate all its nooks and therefore resonate in various atmospheres. At the same time, the temple is allowed to keep the power of the empty space as a small paradise within the dense urban fabric. While there is no music, it welcomes the visitors and offer them an isolated place for tranquil contemplation with oneself, nature or deity.
The restoration of the original formal quality is neither possible, nor right. Though, its former content should always stay present. The new vision allows the implementation of a contemporary use to the existing structure, while allowing to read the different layers of time that the complex carries with itself.
Besides the open space of Musica Universalis (formally defined as an outdoor concert hall / church square), there are new additions introduced to cover the operational needs of the complex. The existing western volume below the church serves as a redesigned mediation between the upper concert hall and the bottom public square. This space contains an independent indoor concert hall that can be used in colder months or as an addition to the outdoor auditorium. With the presence of café and gift shop it makes the square the natural extension of these functions during summer season. By creating a new opening there is also a visual activation of currently undefined portal.
The northern part of the volume is dedicated for the performers and the service flow with direct connection to the backstage of both concert halls. Vertical connections between the auditoriums for both visitors and staff allow the flexible use to accommodate different types of events.
The latter extension is situated on the northern side of the outdoor concert hall. By creating the new side entrance, this space can serve as a reception, box office and a bar for the audience during events. The upper levels contain the sanitary facilities, administration and the roof terrace - yet another independent space where you can attend the concert with a different sensation.
The restored church tower represents the vertical communication core for the new volume. The viewpoint on top offers the majestic view over Chiesa Diruta, city of Grottole or allows to coordinate the event from above.
Keeping the void in the main church space allows the perception of Chiesa Diruta with all its historical layers, while being in symbiosis with its contemporary use. The only addition in this space is a new frame on entrance façade, which is an abstract reconstruction of the demolished wall. The structure also serves as a support for the folding fabric roof over auditorium, that allow outdoor events in different weather conditions.
The new expansions are implemented as new fragments to the surrounding roof landscape of Grottole. Characteristic element of interventions is represented by open or glazed wooden structure that constitute the visual anticipation of the contemporary use, briefly visible from different angles.
The new structure present itself as a light and permeable intervention that tries to enhance by contrast the massive presence of the existing temple.
The new structure present itself as a light and permeable intervention that tries to enhance by contrast the massive presence of the existing temple.
