“A church that looks like origami?” someone in the group might whisper, eyebrows raised in amusement. You might chuckle at that – it’s not a bad description! That’s the Maison Saint-François-de-Sales, a marvel of modern architecture tucked away in our vibrant city. Don’t let its contemporary design fool you, though. This building holds within its zinc walls a spirit of peace and contemplation that belies its urban surroundings. Designed by the innovative firm, Architecturestudio, the Maison Saint-François-de-Sales was completed in 1996. Imagine – a ribbon of zinc, winding its way around a central wooden patio. This “ribbon” rises and folds, ultimately culminating in what you might call a steeple. The architects were inspired by the Japanese art of origami and the result is a building that is both striking and serene. Look closely and you’ll see slits cut into the zinc walls, much like the work of artist Lucio Fontana. These incisions aren’t just for show. They serve a very specific purpose – to filter light and frame views. Some are framed in warm wood, others in cool, reflecting steel. It’s a subtle detail that adds a whole other dimension to the building.
Église Notre-Dame de l’Air
Beneath what appears to be a simple stone and wood structure lies a history interwoven with faith aviation and community.