Sanctuary

S a n c t u a r y
A deconstructed dome, cut along its major axis, almost at the clavicle, and subsequently mirrored, brings this abstract shape to life. It is placed as an architectural element atop a rectangular mass of masonry constructed from locally unprocessed stone blocks.
On one side, it is integrated into the earth through the stone mass, while on the other side, it hovers, ready to be liberated—like a celestial visitor in the rocky, harsh, barren landscape of the island of Mykonos.
The earthy, heavy mass of masonry, made of local granite blocks, symbolizes the stability and endurance of deep faith.
A sanctuary of inner silence, disconnection, and prayer.
The steeple of the sanctuary.
The small, irregular, rhythm-less openings—holes in the masonry and ceiling that create a play of light and shadow—are that crack.
LOCATION
Mykonos
YEAR
TYPE
STATUS
Completed
CONCEPT

A sanctuary of inner silence, disconnection, and prayer.

 

The Holy Spirit has been depicted for centuries in iconography as a white dove, symbolizing spiritual power, wisdom, and peace. Its abstract and schematic representation, where its two wings transform into a double curved shape resembling the wings of a dove in flight, forms the central idea of the architectural composition.

 

A deconstructed dome, cut along its major axis, almost at the clavicle, and subsequently mirrored, brings this abstract shape to life. It is placed as an architectural element atop a rectangular mass of masonry constructed from locally unprocessed stone blocks.

 

On one side, it is integrated into the earth through the stone mass, while on the other side, it hovers, ready to be liberated—like a celestial visitor in the rocky, harsh, barren landscape of the island of Mykonos.

 

The earthy, heavy mass of masonry, made of local granite blocks, symbolizes the stability and endurance of deep faith. The hovering part of the composition expresses the freedom we experience when we trust in something higher, liberating our souls from the fears and doubts that confine us.

 

“There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”

The small, irregular, rhythm-less openings—holes in the masonry and ceiling that create a play of light and shadow—are that crack. They reveal details and/or imperfections, illuminate the darkness, and add depth and mystery to the space, like shining stars in a dark sky.

MASTER PLANNING
Chorographers
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Chorographers