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Chiesa Diruta: A Transformation of Renaissance Church into Concert Hall and Library

Architect Constantinos Yanniotis has reimagined the Chiesa Diruta of SS Luca e Giuliano at Grottole, transforming the ruined Renaissance church into a vibrant cultural center. The core idea behind the design is the creation of a "Temple" inside the original stone wall monument that floats 7 m above the ground floor level, freeing the space of the main Temple floor for visitors to enjoy the breathtaking view over the Basento river valley.

The Chiesa Diruta is a unique Renaissance church with an elliptical dome. The new development includes a Concert Hall and a Municipal Library, connected via a narrow path on the north side of the church. The Concert Hall is made of a 60mm thick Polycarbonate Sheet Wall, achieving a neutral integration of the modern building into the monumental Temple. The Municipal Library, accessible from the opposite side of the monument, is a hospitable space that develops in two levels.

The project started in December 2020 and ended in March 2021. It is located in Grottole, a village perched on a hill in the countryside of Basilicata, Italy. The design was awarded Silver in A' Cultural Heritage and Culture Industry Design Award in 2023, recognizing its outstanding expertise and innovation.

Constantinos Yanniotis graduated from the School of Architecture NTUA in 2011 and has been practicing as an Architect at the Yanniotis & Associates Architectural Bureau. The Bureau has completed a significant number of projects in various fields of building design and urban planning, showcasing expertise in Inclusive Design, Sustainable Energy Technologies, and Integrated IT Services.

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