The Monstrance Arch

Client Name: The Monstrance Arch

Project Location: India
Built Area: 280 sqft
Project Year: 2023
Architecture Firm: Terraibe Studio,(Former Title : Antony Architects)
Chief Architect: Antony Manoj Xavier

 
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The architectural challenge consisted in the precise fabrication of these precast slabs, each of which had distinct heights and shapes. More than fifty concrete and steel-reinforced slabs were painstakingly poured and cured on-site. In addition to their structural function, the side fins lend an aesthetic element to the arch, embodying both form and function.

Locally sourced materials were used due to the designers’ commitment to sustainability and a sense of location. The distinctive laterite brick, with its inherent beauty and textural elegance, serves as the foundation for the side fins. In the meantime, the precast RCC slabs were painstakingly designed with a minimalist aesthetic and a refined paint and patina finish. The flagpole at the entrance was crafted ingeniously from fractured tiles excavated from the site itself, further enhancing the arch’s aesthetic appeal.

At the apex of the arch, a vibrant crimson cross serves as a potent Christian symbol, creating a striking contrast with the arch’s background. This architectural marvel is essentially a synthesis of minimalist aesthetics and sustainable design principles, exemplifying the seamless integration of artistry and environmental awareness.

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