ARCH 484/664the tectonics of the double skin

c h u r c h I n f o l i g n o, t u s c a n y

c a s e s t u d y #1

In this winning competition entry for a church in Central Italy by Massimiliano Fuksas, a conceptual, albeit crude, use of the double skin was applied in order to create a unique space of ritual and prayer. In this case study, the double skin is applied not for reasons of sustainability but to provide a sense of shelter and protection from the outside elements and for the enhancement of the meditative qualities of the interior space.

The church is comprised of two buildings. A two-storey bar-like building houses the bulk of the program, including priests’ quarters, classrooms, and offices. The building discussed in this case study is comprised of two box-like concrete shells. Inside this enclosure the architect has placed the main space of ritual. The outer skin, with its massive reinforced concrete walls acts as structure to the lighter inner shell, suspended off the former by means of large prism-shaped lightwells. These lightwells allow direct penetration of sunlight into the main space. The hierarchy of structure has thus been reversed, with the interior skin being suspended from the exterior skin.

ARCH 484/664the tectonics of the double skin

The lightwells pierce the building on the east and west facades, being the only visual distraction from an otherwise monolithic building.

Skylights have been placed above the cavity of the two shells. This gives added importance to the cavity as a unique space with its own light qualities but also creates two distinct zones within the space: one of circulation, one of ritual.

sections/elevations

ARCH 484/664the tectonics of the double skin

Although essentially a sealed box, the skylights placed between the two concrete shells could be operable, allowing for the extraction of air

ventilated skylight

ARCH 484/664the tectonics of the double skin

interior views

ARCH 484/664the tectonics of the double skin

Other examples of buildings which depend on a double-skin system for other forms of protection were investigated.

BEINECKE RARE BOOK LIBRARYnew haven, connecticut

Gordon Bunshaft

ARCH 484/664the tectonics of the double skin

DOMINUS WINERYnapa valley, california

Herzog & deMeuron

ARCH 484/664the tectonics of the double skin

SIGNAL BOX 4basel, switzerland

Herzog & deMeuron