Interesting timing on these projects.
The Spire seems to have more meaning than assumed.
Here are a couple articles that seem strangely connected.
-‐—————————————————————————-
Proposed Calatrava Spire in Dubai Would Be Taller Than Burj Khalifa
The anchor of a new retail district, the observation tower could become the Eiffel of Dubai, says architect
By Patrick Sisson Apr 11, 2016, 10:33am EDT
Dubai is doubling down on supertall structures, according to The Wall Street Journal, with plans to build a new starchitect-designed observation tower that would reach above the record-setting heights of the Burj Khalifa. …….
https://www.curbed.com/2016/4/11/11406714/calatrava-supertall-dubai-burj-khalifa
####################################
POPE FRANCIS APPOINTS CALATRAVA AS A MEMBER OF THE PONTIFICAL AND INSIGNE ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS AND LETTERS
2019-02-28
Pope Francis has appointed Santiago Calatrava as a member of the Pontifical and Insigne Academy of Fine Arts and Letters, as reported by the press office of the Holy See.
This honor acknowledges Dr. Calatrava’s extraordinary career amongst eminent artists from across the world who have been honored for their artistic achievements, reputation and moral integrity.
This honor is the latest of a series of prestigious accolades for Dr. Calatrava. Among the prizes and recognitions he has received, he has been awarded the Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts of 1999, the National Architecture Prize of 2005 and the European Architecture Prize of 2015.
The Pontifical and Insigne Academy of Fine Arts and Letters 'dei Virtuosi al Pantheon' was established by the initiative of the Cistercian monk Desiderio d'Adiutorio under the denomination of the Congregation of Saint Joseph of the Holy Land, and was recognized by Pope Paul III on 15 October 1542. Since its foundation, 'dei Virtuosi al Pantheon' have counted among its members some of the most important artists who have left imperishable traces of their artistry in Rome. Beginning in the seventeenth century, periodic exhibitions of these artists have been staged in the portico of the Pantheon to bring broader recognition to these artists.
With the new statutes approved in 1995, the Pontifical and Insigne Academy of Arts and Letters 'dei Virtuosi al Pantheon' is intended to promote the study, exercises and improvement of Fine Arts and Letters, with special attention to literature of Christian inspiration and sacred art in all its expressions; and to promote the spiritual elevation of artists, in connection with the Pontifical Council for Culture.
https://calatrava.com/news/reader/pope-appoints-calatrava-as-a-member-of-the-pontifical-and-insigne-academy-of-fine-arts-and-letters.html
ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
NEW YORK
IN SHORT
The original St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church was completely destroyed in the collapse of World Trade Center Tower 2 during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Following extensive negotiations with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America received permission to build a new St. Nicholas Church at the eastern end of the new Liberty Park above the World Trade Center Vehicle Security Center.
The location, footprint, and volume of the Church were fixed directly above the World Trade Center Vehicle Security Center within Liberty Park. No modifications to the space below the Church's 'defined limits' are allowed
The structure must be built on a 4 foot thick concrete 'mat' that Port Authority will provide, and must conform to the loading assumptions of the 'mat'
Utilities will be provided to the footprint and cannot be relocated;
The design shall incorporate a planned vent shaft within the building footprint.
The church is situated approximately twenty five feet above street level, which raises it slightly above the canopy of the World Trade Center Memorial oak trees. Shroud in stone, it is entirely fitting that the church, the only non-secular building on the reconstructed site, occupy this raised position. As such, it will be a spiritual beacon of hope and rebirth for the congregation and the city through the hundreds of thousands of visitors who will pass through the reconstructed World Trade Center site.
'The design for church must respect the traditions and liturgy of the Greek Orthodox Church, but at the same time must reflect the fact that we are living in the 21st century.' His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios In response to this challenge, Santiago Calatrava set out to provide a building and sequence of spaces that would directly address the traditional Greek liturgy while creating a spatially varied architectural procession.
2012 -
ADDRESS
130 Liberty St
New York, NY 10006
United States
https://calatrava.com/projects/st-nicholas-greek-orthodox-church-new-york.html