Images(5)

Model, Architect's

Object number2015.94.2 a-c

Architect L. D. Astorino & Associates, Ltd.

Date1995

OriginPittsburgh, PA

MediumWood/Paint/Plastic/Paper/Ink/Metal/Adhesive

Credit LineGift of Louis D. Astorino

DescriptionCampanaria Tower model in Plexiglas vitrine, scale 1 = 25 cm. Black wood stepped base. Base has one hole on each side for securing vitrine with four screws. Painted wood model of tower has white and gold triangular structure with crucifix at center and blue-green tower extending upward with cross at top.Dimensions(a-c together) Height 20.563, Width 7.563, Depth 7.563;
(a) Height 19.5, Width 7.563, Depth 7.563;
(b) Height 20.313, Width 7.25, Depth 7.25;
(c) Each screw: Width 0.25, Length 1.
Marks(a)
Rectangular laminated paper label on top of base with color Vatican City coat of arms at left and black text "TORRE COMPANARIA / CAPPELLA DELLO SPIRITO SANTO / LA CITTA DEL VATICANO / L.D. Astorino & Associates, Ltd. / 227 Fort Pitt Boulevard / Pittsburgh, PA 15222 / [logo] / SCALA: 1 = 25 cm".

Translation:
"TORRE COMPANARIA / CAPPELLA DELLO SPIRITO SANTO / LA CITTA DEL VATICANO" = "Companaria Tower Chapel of the Holy Spirit Vatican City"
Historical NotesModel of the Campanaria Tower. The Chapel of the Holy Spirit was commissioned by the Vatican from L. D. Astorino & Associates after Louis D. Astorino was consulted on another building project, the Hotel Domus Sanctae Marthae. His design concepts were not implemented on the project due to the cost and being introduced late in the construction timetable; however, impressed by the quality of work produced, Astorino was commissioned to design a small chapel in between the Domus Sanctae Marthae and the Leonine Wall, which separates Vatican City from Rome. Astorino was the first American architect commissioned to design and construct a building in Vatican City. Named the Chapel of the Holy Spirit by project benefactor John Connelly, the choice of design to include triangle motifs fit with the physical constraints of the project site (it is also triangular) and the symbolic representation of the Holy Spirit as a trinity. The floor of the chapel incorporated many different sized of triangle shaped colored marble which was an extension of the outside plaza that had triangle shaped paving stones. The site incorporates the Leonine Wall into its design by including a glass wall that not only lets in natural light to fill the interior of the chapel, but also has Stations of the Cross hanging on the wall outside. The opposite wall abuts the Domus Sanctae Marthae. Several models of the design were included in the collection showing the development of the chapel. Individual models made of basswood, balsa wood, and chipboard show separate components of the chapel in scaled detail. The collection shows Astorino's concept phase and eventual final design. The models correspond to drawings of the chapel and aid in representing the development of the construction and design. They were created as pieces that could be taken apart to highlight specific aspects of the design. Along with the models, samples of building materials are also present within the collection, such as samples of travertine, marble, brick, glass, metal, and copper. Construction of the chapel was finalized in 1997. Measuring 3,300 square feet and costing over $2 million dollars to build, Astorino said of the project, "The chapel reflects contemporary thought and aesthetics while fitting within the charged ambience of the tomb of St. Peter." The chapel is used by the 120 members of the College of Cardinals for prayer and contemplation during a Conclave for the election of a new Pope during Sede Vacante, the Papal Interregnum and is currently the site of Pope Francis's daily Mass.

Related person Louis D. Astorino

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