ExiT: It would be useful, first to all, to think about what a family chapel is. For example, how many times a year do you visit the cemetery?
FP and MP: Well, usually twice, once on the anniversary of death, and again on All Saints' Day.
ExiT: We suggest creating somewhere where you can take a break from everyday life. It would mean you know that, in a small part of Padua, you have your own private space, where you can go to think, meditate, gather your thoughts next to your loved ones, and give yourself some time.
FP and MP: We're not sure that spending time in a family chapel is particularly pleasant – they're often gloomy, and the lack of space and ventilation means that you can't sit down.
ExiT: The idea is to create a comfortable space where you can sit down in contact with the outside elements, even though you are protected from them. A roof that lets soft, changing light through will allow you to appreciate the passing of time. If it rained, the water will run through holes inside the chapel. The white gravel floor will drain the water and keep the ground surface dry. If the silence becomes too oppressive, moving the pebbles with your feet will create a gentle sound to accompany your thoughts. The door, lastly, will not be hermetically sealed but will allow light and air to pass through it, creating a controlled microclimate and light that varies with the time of day.
FP and MP: Although this design would let you sit comfortably, one's gaze inevitably would end up resting on the names and photos of the dead, which might make the stay oppressive after a little while.
ExiT: To avoid this, the stone will have a blank face, which will make it difficult to individuate the different niches; the simple covering will also make the outside and the inside more uniform, minimising the sense of difference between the two. The roof will be constructed from a set of stainless steel tubes welded together to create a continuous play of light and shade, drawing your attention upwards. Some of the tubes will not be covered and these will allow light, air and rain through, allowing you to see the sky.
ExiT architetti associati is an architecture studio founded by Francesco Loschi, Giuseppe Pagano and Paolo Panetto and has offices in Treviso. The studio specialises in architectural and urban design, interior design and landscape architecture, and brings together professional design experience acquired in Italy, Spain and Portugal. The studio is currently working on the redesign of the interior of a hotel in the historic centre of Padua. Projects under construction include a rural structure being restored in the countryside around Treviso, and a wooden barn in Cadore. Since 2004, the studio has taken part in a range of design competitions, and has won several prizes and commendations, mainly in Italy and Spain.
ExiT architetti associati has collaborated with the Cruz y Ortiz studio, on the Milan "Museo Diocesano" design competition, and with the Gonçalo Byrne studio, on the design for the residential block "Casa nel Parco" in Jesolo; since 2005, it has also worked with the Lisbon-based PROAP studio.
PGN - Family chapel
Cimitero Maggiore, Padua
Architects: EXiT architetti associati (Francesco Loschi, Giuseppe Pagano and Paolo Panetto)
Construction supervision: Giuseppe Pagano
Structural engineering: Alberto Soligo
Building contractor: Parpajola s.p.a.
Piasentina stone supplier: Iaconcig
Cost: € 30,000
Construction: January 2009 - September 2009
Covered area: 13 sm
