New Santa Barbara Parish Complex in Sicily
Fluid architecture uniting faith and community
1Urban Transformation Project
Located in Licata's Oltreponte district, the complex transforms a former parking area into a religious and civic hub. Architects Lipari, Giglia and Conti's design creates a faith campus that strengthens neighborhood identity through integrated worship and community spaces.
2Participatory Design Process
The project evolved through consultations with the Archdiocese of Agrigento and local parishioners. A two-stage competition in 2016 selected the winning design that responded to pastoral needs through collaborative development rather than top-down decisions.
3Architectural Composition
The campus combines worship, education and social functions through interconnected spaces. Beyond the main church, it includes a weekday chapel, catechism classrooms and rectory. The churchyard serves as a public square mediating between city and sacred spaces.
4Organic Formal Language
Inspired by Greek cross plans, the design features curved walls and flowing roof lines creating dynamic volumes. Concave and convex surfaces guide visitors through transitional spaces toward the central liturgical hall, reinterpreting Mediterranean traditions with contemporary vocabulary.
5Symbolic Architectural Elements
A cylindrical bell tower and golden entrance arch define the complex's identity. Natural light enters through square openings, becoming integral to spatial experience. Changing light patterns throughout the day create spiritual atmospheres through architectural means.
6Material and Structural System
Hybrid construction combines concrete walls with glulam roof elements. Massive concrete provides plasticity for curved surfaces while timber allows lightweight spanning. The restrained material palette emphasizes texture and natural illumination.
7Community Functionality
Beyond Sunday services, the complex hosts daily parish activities. The weekday chapel, classrooms and pastoral offices create a multi-purpose community hub. Gradual transitions from public to sacred spaces accommodate diverse gatherings and rituals.
8Architectural Heritage and Innovation
Santa Barbara Complex represents contemporary approaches to sacred architecture. It reinterprets traditional church typologies through context-sensitive, community-focused design. Mediterranean architectural DNA merges with modern construction techniques and material expressions.