The Church of the Most Holy Redeemer of Las Chumberas in La Laguna has received the award for Best Building in the World at the World Architecture Festival (WAF), held in November at the Miami Convention Center in the United States.
The WAF Awards are considered one of the main recognitions in the architectural sector worldwide.
The project, by the Canarian architect Fernando Menis, also won the Special Prize for Best Small Building and the Prize for Best Public Building, making it the most recognized work of this edition.
The jury highlighted "the intensity of the architecture and the way in which light has been used to shape the quality and nature of the interior spaces, enhancing the tactile quality of the surfaces".
It also took into account the use of natural light, which “configures an austere space that invites reflection”. Without windows, the building is illuminated by overhead light and the light from the unglazed cross. Throughout the day, the changing light highlights different areas of the space.
Funded by donations, the irregular flow of contributions conditioned its design, composed of **four independent volumes** built in **phases**
The first two, which house the community center, were completed in two years and have been in operation since then, while the remaining structures were finished 16 years later, as funding became available.
Inspired by the volcanic landscape, it "features massive, rough forms that contrast with the built environment. Narrow fissures between the structures, filled with sculptural metal and glass, filter natural light to create a minimalist and spiritual interior," explains its candidacy.
