Curated by Francesco Dal Co, the concept takes the form of 11 temporary chapels, each designed by a different architect. Foster + Partners, in partnership with Tecno, has released details of their design concept for one of the 11 temporary chapels of the first ever Vatican City pavilion at the 2018 Venice Biennale.
The chapel began as three symbolic crosses and a timber deck, draped with a tent-like membrane. Throughout the design process, the scheme evolved into a tensegrity structure of cables and masts, clad with wooden latticework. The architects’ vision was for a diffuse, shaded place of quiet contemplation, framing views of the adjacent lagoon.
The chapel began as three symbolic crosses and a timber deck, draped with a tent-like membrane. Throughout the design process, the scheme evolved into a tensegrity structure of cables and masts, clad with wooden latticework. The architects’ vision was for a diffuse, shaded place of quiet contemplation, framing views of the adjacent lagoon.
Our project started with the selection of the site. On a visit to San Giorgio Maggiore, close to Palladio’s magnificent church and the Teatro Verde, we found a green space with two mature trees beautifully framing the view of the lagoon. It was like a small oasis in the big garden, perfect for contemplation. Our aim is to create a small sanctuary space diffused with dappled shade and removed from the normality of passers-by, focussed instead on the water and sky beyond.
Norman Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman