Azure – September 2019

Final Thought

To create a place where mere mortals can contem-

plate and even communicate with the Almighty of

their choosing is one of design’s oldest challenges.

No matter how you conceive of Him, Her or It, the

Divine is incorporeal and, paradoxically, omnipresent.

Enter a temple, church or mosque and the resident of

honour is absent, yet their presence is felt. Spaces

that reflect a higher order rely on harmony and balance

to make perfection material, an imperative that can be

seen throughout history, from the geometric patterns

in medieval walls and windows to the clean lines and

symmetry of modern places of worship.

Some architectural traditions become so iconic that

to change them would be sacrilege. In the aftermath

of the fire that destroyed the roof of the Notre-Dame

cathedral in Paris, architects from around the globe

proposed redesigns that included adding a green-

house, installing a swimming pool and replicating the

flames in glistening gold leaf. The earthly powers that

be decided to play it safe and restore the building’s

“last known visual state,” but the challenge to rethink

our conception of sacred space continues to inspire.

Dutch artist Levi van Veluw’s non-denominational,

site-specific installation at the Tenuta Dello Scompiglio

in Northern Italy accommodates the practice of faith

through an interior that is both familiar and alien. Taking

inspiration from the structure of the tabernacle (the

Old Testament dwelling place of God), his immersive

design leads visitors through three dimly lit blue–

black chambers lined with ornamental patterns that

echo familiar forms of venerable decor, with a subtle

sci-fi twist (the Church of Scientology also provided

inspiration). Offset by piles of raw coal and a stream

of fragrant water, the arcane geometry of his Sanctum

is a testament to our incessant quest for a fundamental

order that lies eternally beyond our grasp.

Levi van Veluw’s Sanctum is on view until September

22 at Tenuta Dello Scompiglio in Capannori, Italy.

AN IMMERSIVE INSTALLATION IN ITALY

HIGHLIGHTS THE ART OF CREATING

SACRED SPACES

WORDS _Terence Dick

PHOTOGRAPH _Guido Mencari

Divine

Intervention

098 _ _SEPT 2019