Alexandros N. Tombazis

Meletitiki — Alexandros N. Tombazis and Associates Architects Ltd.

27, Monemvasias st., GR-151 25 Polydroso — Athens, Greece
e-mail: meletitiki@hol. gr

Abstract

The paper focuses on the presentation of the new Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Fatima, Portugal. The project is a result of an invited architectural competition held in 1997-98. The Church was consecrated on 12 October 2007 in the presence of about 250.000 persons at the Sanctuary of Fatima. The Church can seat just under 9.000 pilgrims. Its main praying area is comprised of a circle of 125m diameter spanned through its centre by two parallel pre-stressed white concrete beams. Its main bioclimatic feature is its roof. Extensive photographic material and drawings will accompany the presentation.

Keywords: church, sustainability, daylighting, bioclimatic design

1. Introduction

In order to erect a Church for 9,000 pilgrims, the Sanctuary of Fatima in Portugal launched a two stage international competition in 1997 between pre-selected architects.

The new building has been set opposite the existing historic Basilica and in front of the Pastoral Centre at the south end of the 500X150m square with easy access for large numbers of visitors. It thus creates a monumental axis which is further accentuated by the circular shape of the new structure.