ste murray captures brutalist curves and rings of sacra famiglia church in italy as it turns 50

capturing the sunlit stillness of sacra famiglia church in italy

As part of his ongoing photo series celebrating mid-century buildings at their 50-year mark, Ste Murray spotlights the Sacra Famiglia Church in Salerno, Italy. His visual essay takes a look at the sunlit stillness of six interlocking circular elements — three of which represent the Holy Trinity — which form this sacred space built by Paolo Portoghesi between 1971 and 1974.

With his work, the Dublin-based photographer aims to place the reinforced concrete structure within its physical context in the Fratte district with a raw, honest approach. Situated beside a school, and within a residential neighbourhood, it is backdropped by scenic, tranquil mountains. The canopy of mature trees surrounding the brutalist building further speak to its age, letting the town soften into the countryside.

all images by Ste Murray

ste murray celebrates mid-century brutalist architecture

The circular layout of the Sacra Famiglia Church shape-shifts with the changing conditions of light. Its curved concrete takes on varying complexions, and the architecture casts dancing shadows on itself, highlighting different degrees of depth. ‘There is an almost solemn stillness permeating these grounds and walls; the visitor brings an awareness of the deeper meaning inherent in sacred spaces, and the regular routine of spiritual dialogue between this place and its people is evident,’ notes Ste Murray.

The photo essay is part of a broader series that documents buildings in their 50th year, with a specific focus on Brutalism and Modernism. Choosing one building per year at this mark offers a photographic focus within a myriad of choices. For the photographer, 50 years also feels like an appropriate timespan for reflection and a representation of architecture to a contemporary audience. ‘And yet, in all its immensity, half a century often places buildings inside a temporal limbo — the building might be ‘too old’ to serve today’s needs without extensive changes, while at the same time being ‘too new’ to be authentically romanticized,’ he says. In this in-between state, this series becomes both tribute and critique.

Ste Murray celebrates mid-century buildings at their 50-year mark

spotlighting the Sacra Famiglia Church in Salerno, Italy

this sacred space was built by Paolo Portoghesi between 1971 and 1974

the visual essay takes a look at the sunlit stillness of six interlocking circular elements

place the reinforced concrete structure within its physical context with a raw, honest approach

the circular layout of the Sacra Famiglia Church shape-shifts with the changing conditions of light

‘There is an almost solemn stillness permeating these grounds and walls,’ notes Ste Murray

the photo essay is part of a broader series that documents brutalist and modernist buildings in their 50th year

the canopy of mature trees surrounding the building speak to its age

situated beside a school, and within a residential neighbourhood, it is backdropped by scenic mountains

project info:

name: Sacra Famiglia Church

photographer: Ste Murray | @ste_murray

architect: Paolo Portoghesi

location: Salerno, Italy

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: ravail khan | designboom