Architecture and spirituality: 12 churches and chapels in Latin America

Latin America houses the largest Catholic population in the world – more than 25% of global Catholics live in this continent, where faith has shaped not only the spiritual life, but also the cultural, social and urban fabric of their cities. From the first temples raised during European colonization, the architecture of Latin American Catholic churches has gone through deep transformations. The imposing strokes of the colonial baroque and the ornate facades have given way, over time, to bold and contemporary interpretations, which reflect local realities, the search for identity and architectural experimentation.

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Currently, new churches are conceived not only as worship spaces, but also as cultural and architectural milestones. This change of perspective is, in large part, influenced by temples and churches of other religious traditions, which have caused a review of traditional methods of expression of faith and how this relationship is established with the faithful.

It is perceived in these buildings, therefore, a constant search to dialogue with the environment, respecting the context in which they are inserted, exploring local materials and regional constructive techniques, integrating in a sensitive way natural light to the spaces and opening its way to deep reflections on community, spirituality and landscape. In this cut, we gather 12 Churches in Latin America that reveal, through its architectural forms, the transition of a past marked by colonialism to a vibrant present, innovative and committed to local cultural identity.

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In recent decades, Catholicism has faced a gradual fall in the number of faithful in various Latin American countries. In response to this scenario, the architecture of the churches has also begun to play a strategic role creating more open, welcoming and integrated spaces to the daily life of communities, such as the San Josemaría Escrivá Church in Mexico. The search for a more accessible architectural language and connected to the local context reflects the desire to reapply with the population, promoting a more horizontal and inclusive spirituality. Thus, many recent churches adopt flexible configurations, human scales and narrow links with public space, as a way of reconquering social and spiritual relevance in urban fabric.

Capilla de la Santa Cruz / Architecture Workshop X / Alberto Kalach + Roberto Silva

Church in Serena Pueblo / Moneo Brock Studio

San Josemaría Escrivá / Sordo Madaleno Architects Church

San Norberto Parish / Carlos Campuzano Castelló

Centinel chapel / Ala study

More uses, more life: the Church as part of the whole

Many contemporary churches have incorporated different uses in their projects, in addition to religious worship, such as events of events, public libraries and reception spaces, as observed in the Churchita expansion project, in Chile. By diversifying their functions, these churches become cultural and community centers, expanding their relevance and presence in people’s daily lives. This integration of new spaces also strengthens the social role of the Church, providing more vitality to the building and making it a dynamic and accessible meeting point for the community.

Santa María de los Caballeros / MGP Architecture and Urbanism

Church and convent FFB / Mixture

Churchita / Supersudaka

Church and multipurpose room new fire / wrkshp architecture | town planning

Resignify to belong: reuse existing structures

In various contemporary religious projects, the creative reuse of existing structures is observed, either through the incorporation of historical heritage or the adaptation of abandoned buildings for new spaces of faith. Notable examples include the Totihue and the adjacent silo chapel, in Chile, which resignify ancient industrial spaces, as well as the reconstruction of the parish in Las Cabras, which returns life to a religious structure damaged by an earthquake. This sustainable and sensitive approach to architectural memory allows not only the preservation of the historical legacy, but also the creation of unique environments, rooted in the context in which they are inserted. However, it is worth noting that the reverse movement has also occurred, with churches being converted into other types of spaces, such as cultural centers, art galleries or even living spaces. This exchange of functions reflects the evolution of the use of heritage and the vital adaptation of buildings to new social and urban realities.

Santa Cecilia / FBD Church Architecture and Urban Design + Verónica López

Totihue / Gonzalo Mardones Viviani Chapel

Parish in Las Cabras / Pablo Lobos Pedrals and Carlos Arce Valdes