MICROSCAPE studio restores lucca's chiesa di san pellegrino to former splendor

MICROSCAPE studio restores lucca’s chiesa di san pellegrino to former splendor

MICROSCAPE studio, led by architects patrizia and saverio pisaniello, was commissioned to restore and re-purpose the ‘church of san pellegrino’ in lucca, italy, to serve as storage for sculpture. the ancient structure, which had fallen into a severe state of disrepair after generations of service, was decided upon as an optimal setting for the plaster cast collection from the polo museale della toscano, consisting of 230 piece from the mid-19^th-to-20^th centuries.

interior 
images © pietro savorelli

in all, very little was done in terms of architectural design. MICROSCAPE instead focused their efforts on meticulous detailing and restoration to bring ‘chiesa di san pellegrino’ back to its former splendor. artificial lighting was integrated within, with other small re-workings including powder-coated steel slabs marking the opening of an ancient, previously-sealed doorway.

located at the ‘church of san pellegrino’

the collection is supported via a system of metal tubing and wood pallets. organization is based upon visual continuity and the pathways of lighting, both natural and artificial. a multi-lingual sign explores the universality of art, serving as the first impression visitors receive upon walking through the church’s glass entrance. the ‘church of san pellegrino’ was restored and outfitted, with additional design, by MICROSCAPE studio; it is located in the city of lucca, italia. 

restored sanctuary

framed pieces

simple wooden pallets support the diverse collection

interior view

plaster cast collection

the project included the re-opening of ancient sealed door

corridor, view to adjacent rooms 

glass entrance door

project info:

client: saint michele, paolino and alessandro parish
architectural design, restoration and outfitting: MICROSCAPE architecture urban design AA
safety: MICROSCAPE architecture urban design AA
work supervision: MICROSCAPE architecture urban design AA
contractor: lorenzini pietro s.r.l., moretti restauri, S2 s.r.l., tarchiani s.r.l., tecno service s.r.l.
size: 310m²
photography: © pietro savorelli, courtesy of MICROSCAPE
year: 2015
on-site: 2015-16

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom