Part 2: Church of the Autostrada

Looking up to the ceiling.

Large expressive gestures and massive structural elements.

Structural columns support the concrete ceiling

Detailed columns


The Church of the Autostrada, designed by Giovanni Michelucci, is a church dedicated to those who died building the Italian Autostrada. The church is located halfway between the ends of the autostrada on the outskirts of Florence. Large expressive gestures articulate the ceiling of the church and meet in such a way that it appears the church never ends, as if the building is reaching up to Heaven.

Material
Concrete and stone are used almost exclusively in the church. Concrete is used primarily as a structural element and is shaped by complex forms. The materials are monumental in size. Concrete is poured in site and there is no other structural system, such as steel framing, within the columns and roofing. This is imposing on the occupant because of the sheer size of the materials being held above their heads.

Scale
The church is of a monumental size. This is appropriate because the church is a memorial to those who died during the construction of the Autostrada. The church consists of both massive and intimate spaces, both being some of the most beautiful architectural elements I have ever witnessed. The main space seems to extend upwards towards infinity, whereas some of the secondary spaces are very intimate spaces for reflection and prayer. Monumental structural elements and forms help support the massive gestural elements.

Context
The church is situated in a more rural area of Florence. Because of the oxidation of the copper roof, the church seemed to disappear into the landscape from far away. The exterior consists mostly of stonework, reflecting on the materials found in the area. The building is iconic and distinct. It's form is widely different from any building in the region, and it is now a popular tourist and pilgrimage destination.