By LD Studio
Built-in 1943 and designed by Oscar Niemeyer, a pioneer of modern Brazilian architecture, the little church named after St. Francis of Assisi in Pampulha is a real gem. And just as precious gems sparkle and radiate charm, so does this place of worship, especially since its renovation when the new lighting concept was implemented. One could go as far as to say it radiates from within – as precious objects do in their wonderful way.
The architecture of the little church Igreja de São Fran- cisco de Assis (Church of St. Francis of Assisi) has always been regarded as a remarkable building, especially since it has very little in common with conventional places of worship. When it was designed over sixty years ago, it gave rise to heated debate. It was not only the daring architectural design that was controversial. The use of concrete was equally revolutionary at that time, although no other building material would have allowed the construction of the parabolic roof. The main arch spans the choir level and the sanctuary. The tower and the entrance are free-standing elements and make for a stark contrast to the curved architectural components.
Architect and lighting designer, Mônica Luz Lobo, IALD, CLD is the founder and creative director of LD Studio, established in 1997. Committed to the development and dissemination of the profession of architectural lighting design, she is one of the founders of the Brazilian Association of Architectural Lighting Designers (AsBAI), is one of the prime movers behind the 2016 edition of the Ibero-American Lighting Design gathering (EILD), is a professional member of the IALD, and member of the IES. Most recently she served on the IALD Board of Directors as a Director-at-Large. Mônica’s work has been featured in many local and international publications and is the recipient of several awards at home and abroad.
