Set within the Ancient Rock Quarries, this project emerges from the dialogue between landscape, materiality, and contemplation. The site was chosen for its natural atmosphere of silence and reflection, providing an ideal setting for a spiritual journey. The design concept is rooted in the pure forms of the existing quarry rocks and the subtractions created through stone extraction, transforming the island’s morphology into an introspective experience.
The project envisions a contemplative climb through the island, where paths of varying scales and perspectives guide visitors toward a deeper connection with the divine. At the culmination of this ascent stands the Chapel, embedded in a mountain cavity—an architectural subtraction that echoes the quarry’s own removals. This placement recalls early Roman churches, where faith and light descend from above, reinforcing a sense of transcendence through spatial progression.
The chapel’s form and materiality arise from the juxtaposition of old and new. New mocha limestone blocks of diverse sizes and geometries coexist with the existing rock formations, creating a visual and tactile dialogue. The trapezoidal floor plan expands the perspective toward the altar, while a large vertical volume floods the space with natural light. Inside, mirrored art installations inspired by Julio Le Parc generate dynamic reflections, enhancing themes of silence, introspection, and contemplation.
Drawing inspiration from modern minimalism and classical Italian craftsmanship, the design integrates perforated walls for light and ventilation, referencing Le Corbusier’s Ronchamp Chapel. The interplay between light, material, and void anchors the chapel as both a sculptural and spiritual landmark. A new pathway at the island’s west side connects this sacred space to other landmarks, completing a journey where architecture, landscape, and faith converge.