NUOVA CANONICA
The project involves the transformation of the spaces and buildings on the block originally occupied by the old parish house on the left side of the church. This micro-urban regeneration project, starting from the desire to create a welcoming space adjacent to the Sanctuary of San Giovanni XXIII, confirms the parish's function as a residence for the parish priest and other priests who live and work in the parish, with new spaces for pilgrims and the community.
The project begins with the removal of the existing building, proposing the construction of a new building directly adjacent to the churchyard.
The new architecture is simple and attentive to the values of the context.
The new volume, partially underground, fits discreetly and seamlessly into the natural contours of the land. It is essentially composed of three parts:
- the linear building with a gable roof that connects to the side of the church and redefines the space of the churchyard;
- the internal courtyard overlooking the multipurpose space embedded in the slope;
- the walled enclosure that encloses the garden and redefines the relationship between interior and exterior, redesigning the pathways and outdoor spaces. In this way, the project addresses a number of strategic aspects for the redevelopment and reuse of the lot: the position of the new rectory with respect to the church and the churchyard, the direct connection between the church and the rectory, and the arrangement of the access routes up the hill of San Giovanni.
The volume, smaller than the previous one, is arranged on a level that leaves the church as the prominent element of the complex. The typology and materials of the new building's structure are designed to be consistent with the immediate monumental context and the landscape of Mount Canto. The functions within the building are divided into three levels: the ground floor houses public services directly adjacent to the churchyard and courtyard; the first floor houses the priests' quarters connected to the green space; and the basement houses storage areas and the underground connection to the church. Construction work on the New Parish Rectory and reception areas began on February 10, 2020, and was completed in October 2022.
