a reading derived from the natural world – that of the wings of a bird
sheltering her offspring.
The Church of the Autostrada, Florence, contains the final example of
structure representing an object from the human world. Situated on the
outskirts of Florence adjacent to the motorway, the church commemor-
ates those workers who lost their lives building Italy’s modern motorway
system. Both architect and reviewers agree that the church’s tent-like form
simultaneously acknowledges the nomadic life of the ancient Israelites and
the travelling public driving past the church (Fig. 9.20). However, opinions
pertaining to the interpretation of its dramatic interior structure remain
divided.REPRESENTATION AND SYMBOLISM 199
▲9.19 Wohlen High School library roof, Switzerland, Santiago
Calatrava, 1988. A central column supports the roof shell which
‘shelters’ the mezzanine galleries to the rear.
▲9.20 Church of the Autostrada, Florence, Italy, Giovanni
Michelucci, 1968. The church as seen from the motorway.▲9.21 Dramatic interior structure with the main altar to the
left facing the rows of seats. (Courtesy F. Amadei.)
▲9.22 Details of the concrete structure.