Parroquia Corazón de Jesús

Amidst the sleek lines of modern architecture, stands Parroquia Corazón de Jesús. It’s a surprising sight within the UCA’s repurposed dock building in Puerto Madero. Parroquia Corazón de Jesús isn’t just a chapel. It’s a symbol, a testament to faith amidst the bustling city. Its concrete volumes, both strong and understated, blend with the brick exterior of Santa María de los Buenos Aires. This creates a unique architectural dialogue. The architects, Urgell-Penedo-Urgell, faced a challenge. They had to design a liturgical space within a protected heritage area. Their solution was brilliant. They embraced the original chapel’s volume. They extended it without overshadowing the historic dock buildings. Only two iconic exceptions break this rule. The cross tower rises above the rooftop, a beacon against the sky. The raised atrium extends the interior space, creating a public plaza below. Entering Parroquia Corazón de Jesús is a journey. You ascend to the first floor, leaving the earthly plane behind. This echoes the design of ancient temples. The Patio de los Naranjos connects the university’s first level to the chapel. It forms a procession route from the main hall on Avenida Belgrano to the atrium overlooking Plaza Sur. The architects wanted austerity and light, reminiscent of early Christian basilicas. Concrete and wood shape the interiors. Natural light defines the composition. Sunlight bathes the central nave, shifting throughout the day due to its northern orientation. Side aisles, or deambulatories, flank the central nave. Three skylights, concealed by folds in the ceiling, illuminate the space. Two side windows guide you towards the altar. A third opening casts light upon the retable, fading as it rises. The choir area sits behind the congregation. Building Parroquia Corazón de Jesús was a feat of engineering. The large concrete walls required special formwork, reaching up to 12 meters high with stabilizers and bracing. The sheer size and placement of the walls added another layer of complexity. Yet, the result is stunning. Parroquia Corazón de Jesús stands as a modern marvel of faith and architecture.