Enlargement S. Ambrogio church
Rozzano, Milan, Italy
2009-2015
The design had a dual purpose: the enlargement of the liturgical hall of the ancient church of S. Ambrogio in Rozzano and the restoration and consolidation of its existing structure.
The central area of church's current facade was emptied along the line of the inner vault's arch by preserving the side antae and upper entablature.
The enlargement's construction, developed as a morphological extension of the existing volume, follows its shape and building articulation.
A sequence of vertical pilaster strips, recessed and articulated on the rhythm of the existing buttresses, modulate the development of the side elevations, thus restoring a unified continuity to the surfaces and outside volume.
The new liturgical space is covered by a ceiling shaped by a varying geometry that begins with a vaulted section and ends, in connection with the existing liturgical space, with a cusped section that leaves the preserved entablature visible.
The new elevation features a large alabaster rose-window that highlights the main arch of the historical vault.
The ancient pipe organ becomes the hinge and connection of the two interior spaces. Raised and aligned to the vault's architrave level, it defines the liturgical hall's overall transparency.
client: Archdiocese of Milan, Parish of Rozzano
architectural design: Quattroassociati
with: DVA studio
gross floor area: 730 sqm