Secret niches

Young architects Joan Casals Pañella and Jose Luis Cisneros from Ágora studio came up with a special device to give visual access to a hidden niche in the Basílica de la Merced.

Catalan duo Joan Casals Pañella and Jose Luis Cisneros from Ágora Arquitectura designed a small and clever intervention in the baroque Basílica de la Merced, in Barcelona, to allow visitors to enjoy the view of a hidden niche.

Ágora Arquitectura, Basílica de la Merced, 2016

The architects tried to answer the question of what happens in front of half-open door, a situation in which there is the possibility of achieving something, but still unachievable. The temporary view to the niche could offer the opportunity to reveal part of what until now was restricted to public viewing. Visitors get to intuit a new situation on the other side, where there is always a missing step to really reach, and in maximum suspense it is revealed what's on the other side.

Ágora Arquitectura, Basílica de la Merced, technical drawing

Ágora Arquitectura, Basílica de la Merced, technical drawing

Ágora Arquitectura, Basílica de la Merced, 2016

Ágora Arquitectura, Basílica de la Merced, 2016

Mirador temporal. Basílica de la Merced, Barcelona, Spain
Program: interior intervention
Architects: Ágora, Joan Casals Pañella and Jose Luis Cisneros
Completion: 2016

Secret niches

Young architects Joan Casals Pañella and Jose Luis Cisneros from Ágora studio came up with a special device to give visual access to a hidden niche in the Basílica de la Merced.

Latest on News

Latest on Domus