From the architect. Between 1991 and 1992 the “Borde Madero” docklands were allocated through a public bidding/competition for project and prize, and in particular in October 1992 the four warehouses of Dique 2 were awarded to the Catholic University of Argentina (U.C.A.).The Dock 9, for which we presented the rebuilding proposal, will produce the volumetric closure of the Campus of the Catholic University of Argentina. The site limits on its south face with the “Interdock Space” and on its north side with the Boulevard AzucenaVillaflor / Belgrano Av.Located in the U32 District – Heritage Preservation Area Old Puerto Madero, and with high architectural and heritage value, its rebuilt has met volume-and height building regulations requirements.
The Programme, delivered by the University, included a Mayor Chapel located at the south side of the Dock. The church, as one piece of the whole, should be expressed as a symbolic icon of the cult itself.The space between buildings 9 and 10 (interdock) is proposed as the Chapel´s atrium.To achieve the above mentioned premises, the proposed design has "embraced the chapel" following the volumetric parameters of the original building, taking advantage of the regulations that allows to make the volume in the north and south facades of the docks more flexible.
Architecture and religion share their praise for sunlight, their many references to biblical storiesarouse the interest of understanding it as an essential element in the conception of a sacred space,a space appropriate to pray.Three skylights are hidden between the folded walls that define the space in the main nave, allowing natural light to pour down without distracting parishioner’s attention.The two skylights on the side accompany the ambulatories, marking its directionality to the altar, main area of the rite.A third opening moulds the altarpiece through a ray of direct sunlight that dematerializes in the sun rise direction The summarized (A balanced) material selection and the exclusion of ornaments give as a result a stark room that reinforces the spirituality provided by the ligh.
