site specific arquitectura's capela jasus mestre chapel

site specific arquitectura has built this small chapel for the brotherhood of instituto missionário pio sociedade de são paulo located in lisbon, portugal. the brief stated for the compact floorplan to be organized around a central area; a space for prayer and communication, along with a place for assembly.

all images © do mal o menos

based on the outskirts of lisbon, the rural plot of ‘capela jesus mestre’ overlooks a valley and is attached to an existing 4-storey blocks sitting on a ground-floor podium, that was originally used as a warehouse. led by architects patrícia marques and paulo costa, site specific arquitectura responded by creating a space that provides a relationship between members of the brotherhood and reaches the wider lay community through their publishing and missionary activities.

the main prayer room

the project reuses the existing building and enhances it to give it new meaning; this was achieved through a process of austere and rigorous designing, which relied on the simplicity of volumes, natural lighting and inherent qualities of proposed materials. the simple concrete structure was retained and the main room revealed as a whole and wide space, without artifice or excess and the backdrop decorated with liturgical fittings to highlight a sacred and theological sense.

the alter is defined by its simplicity and is made from solid timber

the project has reinforced the sense of belonging and sharing that was imbued in the original commission. the solid timber central alter stands as the focus of the prayer space and its simplicity allows it to blend into its setting. in conjunction with the pulpit, this allows a wide range of layouts and different degrees of intimacy for liturgical celebrations. the external space to the north replicates the volume of the chapel. more than just a garden, this area is designed as an extension to the praying space. as well as adding geometry and materiality, the water and vegetation generates a peaceful space area to the chapel public access to the chapel is granted from the south, identified by a timber door with an engraved cross and a bell, both designed in line with the general principles of the project.

limegreen marks the confession booth