Consider the challenge of creating a community space. It needs to be bright and without rigidity. That was the task for Miguel Fisac when designing Parroquia Nuestra Se\u00f1ora Flor del Carmelo. The Carmelitas Fathers wanted this. They had a clear idea for this unique church.
Parroquia Nuestra Se\u00f1ora Flor del Carmelo stands as a testament to modern religious architecture. It was inaugurated in 1990. This was one of the most important works of Fisac’s late period. The church reinvents ecclesiastical space. It features an irregular pentagon plant with a square cover. The unique use of metallic beams is remarkable.
Miguel Fisac relentlessly searched for answers. This led him to a breakthrough solution. He used industrial construction materials in a religious space. The roof is resolved with metal plates. These plates are on Vierendeel beams. These generate rotated forms. The lower one superimposes the previous one. This reaches the smaller square of the upper part of the roof.
Light is a key element of the design. Perforations in the roof beams allow calculated light to penetrate. This light tightens the space of the Sunday assembly hall.
The exterior ornamentation mirrors the interior. Geometric figures adorn the walls. These figures add to the church’s unique character.
Symbolism is present throughout Parroquia Nuestra Se\u00f1ora Flor del Carmelo. In the cloister, two trees hold meaning. An olive tree represents the horizontality of Christian faith. A cypress recalls hope in the hereafter. The eight-pointed star, the Carmelite shield symbol, appears. It is on the white concrete slabs of the facades. Fisac’s patent flexible formwork was used to make them.
The character of this parish synthesizes mundane and metaphysical elements. Low-cost metal beams coexist with white concrete walls. The bright prayer space enhances the spiritual experience.
Parroquia Nuestra Se\u00f1ora Flor del Carmelo is located on Avenida El Ferrol. Specifically, it is at number 49. It is in the El Pilar neighborhood. The Fuencarral-El Pardo district houses it. You can reach it via Metro line 9 at Barrio del Pilar station. Bus line 147 also provides access.
Accessibility information is limited. There is no specific information about accessibility for people with reduced mobility. For further information, you can call 917 391 056. Or you can email flordelcarmelo@archimadrid.es.
Parroquia Nuestra Se\u00f1ora Flor del Carmelo offers various services. Weekends have specific schedules. Fridays feature activities from 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM. Saturdays run from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Sundays are from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
As you leave Parroquia Nuestra Se\u00f1ora Flor del Carmelo reflect on Fisac’s vision. He created a space blending industrial elements. He also combined it with spiritual symbolism. It stands as a modern landmark. It is a testament to innovative religious architecture in Madrid.