‘miami chapel’ by FREE, miami, florida, USA all images courtesy of FREE

mexico city and new york city-based practice FREE have won a competition to design and execute the ‘miami chapel’ for the catholic community in miami, florida. devoted to the mexican virgin our lady of guadalupe, the practice chose to represent all of the virgins of the latin american cultures. wrapped around the main figure, 27 small sanctuaries are placed at the perimeter of the circular congregation. a corrugated roof covers each of the spaces and come together to join at a pinnacle skylight imprinted with an image of the lady of guadalupe. the building’s exterior form is defined by the downward draping which resembles her pleated cloth.

the tall structure stands out from its context. the funneled form adds acoustical benefits, dramatizing the ecumenical atmosphere. additional functions include an ambulatory, confessionals and community service are within the basement level. in the back, reserved areas for priests and personnel for sacristy, preparation and changing rooms, offices, small library and working spaces.

aerial view

chapel interior

site plan

(left) pedestrian and bicycle circulation scheme (right) car circulation scheme

section

section

conceptual diagram

conceptual diagram

(left) conceptual axonometric (right) exploded axonometric

stack ventilation scheme

daylight scheme

project info:

project name: miami chapel location: florida, USA competition: 1st. prize program: cultural size: 3,500 m2 date: 2012-2013 collaborators: none status: ongoing