The Cathedral of Straw

João Alves da Cunha

doi:10.17979/aarc.2013.3.0.5106

Authors

João Alves da Cunha FAUTL-Lisbon’s Faculty of Architecture

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17979/aarc.2013.3.0.5106

Keywords:

big masses, public space, simplicity, economy, sacred architecture

Abstract

This communication reflects on the great Eucharistic celebrations held occasionally by the Church in public places and proposes some guidelines to its development. To do this, it uses the examples of the Masses held by Benedict XVI in Valencia and Lisbon, the Mass by Pope Francis in Lampedusa and finally a Mass celebrated in Fatima by Jesuits General Father Adolfo Nicolás sj. Through these cases is visible how a poor and simple construction generated by a humble architecture can be as beautiful and noble as the richest, but more importantly, its testimony of Christ becomes considerably more credible.

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Author Biography

João Alves da Cunha, FAUTL-Lisbon’s Faculty of Architecture

Architect (FAUTL-Lisbon’s Faculty of Architecture, 1997) with a Master’s in Architecture and Urban Centre Renovation (FAUTL, 2003) with the theme «Intervention Methodologies on Cistercian Heritage in Portugal». Currently finishing a PhD in FAUTL, on the theme «The Religious Art Renovation Movement and the golden years of Religious Architecture in Portugal in the 20th century».
Since 2010 is curator of exhibitions and organizes conferences about religious architecture, being the most recent the «I Conference on Liturgy, Art and Architecture» (Catholic University, Lisbon, 15th and 16th November 2012). Lecturer in «Modern Catholic Space», London, 9th December 2011, with «The Religious Art Renovation Movement and twentieth century religious architecture in Portugal» and author of many articles related to religious architecture.
Since 2007 works in religious architecture and in the last year founded the office MESA–Arquitetura Religiosa, with colleagues architects Alexandra Cantante and Estela Cameirão.