Front view of the cathedral showing its inner and outer skin
The proposal for the Notre Dame de l’Assomption draws on the life and culture of the Haitian people, while remembering the site’s history and the lives lost on January 12, 2010. The folded origami form is inspired by a Haitian fisherman’s boat, linking the new cathedral to the old cathedral’s former function as a lighthouse.
The cathedral is constructed from large trusses clad in recycled metal sheets, perforated by the artists of Croix de Bouquet with the pattern of the old rose window. The pattern permits diffuse light to enter the interior, creating a solemn and contemplative atmosphere inside.
A water catchment channel outlines the footprint of the former cathedral, and collected water is used in the Reflection Garden to the north of the cathedral, as well as to aid in passively cooling the interior. The double layer ventilated cladding helps to maintain a comfortable interior temperature, while openings along the bottom of the cladding draws in water-cooled air into the building. Next to the cathedral is a 60-meter tall bell tower containing the belfry and an observation deck that offers spectacular views of Port-au-Prince. The tower also serves as a beacon and icon for the city, becoming a point of orientation.
The landscape surrounding the cathedral is divided into several urban spaces – a formalized pattern of benches and trees, more urban in character, extends to the west and south of the cathedral. A grand staircase connects the lower level of the street to the plaza in front of the cathedral, and provides ample outdoor space for sermons.
The broader urban plan extends beyond the boundaries of the old cathedral, and encompasses the adjoining plaza. A bridge, on axis with the cathedral, physically links the two urban areas, and provides a peaceful transition between the busy larger square and the tranquility of the cathedral. This larger plaza consists of vendor kiosks, benches, and trees, and allows the life of the city to shape the space.
While many still live in misery, the House of God shall not shine spotless. Reflecting the struggle for the reconstruction, its lasting architecture alternates with makeshift materials like UNHCR tarps and corrugated metal sheet panels.
The “provisional skin” will be replaced by the “permanent” as camps are cleared; therefore the Cathedral could function during the construction.
Project Lead: Andrea Panizzo (YCF)
Design Team:
YCF: Andrea Panizzo, Yves Francois, Burtland Granvil, Elizabeth Lafontant, Taina Mayard.
Architecture for Humanity: Nancy Doran, Peter Arnts, Laura Smits, Sven Kalim, Radim Tkadlec.
ARCA CONSULTING: Vanni Puccioni, Lucia Alunni Grillini, Stefano Prinzivalli.
ARCA CONSULTING: Vanni Puccioni, Lucia Alunni Grillini, Stefano Prinzivalli.
Year: 2012
Find out more about this project on Architecture for Humanity, ArchDaily and Europaconcorsi.
View from the observation deck on the top of the tower. Cathedral's skin is perforated by geometric pattern derived from the old rose window.
Aerial view of the House of God, which is connected to the main urban axis of Port-au-Prince.
The broader urban plan extends beyond the boundaries of the old cathedral, and encompasses the adjoining plaza. A bridge, on axis with the cathedral, physically links the two urban areas, and provides a peaceful transition between the busy larger square and the tranquility of the cathedral.
Former cathedral was almost entirely destroyed by the earthquake of January 2010.
