# New Santa Barbara Parish Complex in Sicily Fluid architecture uniting faith and community - **Source:** [architecture archives | designboom | architecture & design magazine](https://brifing.si/source/1e716da2-18e6-4704-96a6-818e7860b99f) - **Published:** 2026-07-10 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/dac6974f-1cdf-4a20-93fc-383083bc5d50 ## Urban 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. ## Participatory 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. ## Architectural 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. ## Organic 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. ## Symbolic 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. ## Material 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. ## Community 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. ## Architectural 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. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.designboom.com/architecture/flowing-roof-fluid-concrete-walls-new-santa-barbara-parish-complex-sicily-francesco-lipari-lillo-giglia-giuseppe-conti/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._