MORAMANGA CHURCH Call for ideas : Deep Light

DEEP LIGHT proposes working with light and soil to foster deep spirituality. Light is contrasted with darkness represents spiritual realities. The project integrates into the existing landscape, encouraging gatherings and sharing around intimate surroundings made of light and soil. The light penetrates into the ground, creating a new church space that is both excavated and elevated on the roof, connected to the earth and the sky. Underground, the church is protected by cupolas, creating an intimate environment. Above the soil, light-shaped concaves provide spaces where the congregation can gather. A light bell tower rises into the sky like a wooden-ringed baobab suspended by natural small rocks. The light filters inside the baobab, embracing the underground space and generating a synergy between the two spiritual areas. The roof becomes a churchyard, and from the surrounding area, only the ringed baobab remains visible as a pure symbol of spirituality integrated in the landscape. Finally, the excavation allows for the use of local construction materials, involves local inhabitants, and enables the reuse of soil, rocks, and sand for pouring into the new structure. The soil is excavated to shape the form of the cupolas. The new structure is built with wooden formworks resting on the ground and poured with concrete made from local rammed earth obtained during the excavation. Once the new structure is complete, the ground beneath the cupolas is removed, leaving the shape of the new church.