Shape and volume

The north and west facade of the temple have emerging architectural elements on different planes, which generate shadows, rhythm, movement and therefore dynamism, in contrast to the austere facades of the convent.

The north facade on the lower story there are windows with Gothic proportions of 1:3 and two massive buttresses that emphasize bays and in addition break the horizontality of the façade. The upper story has twelve windows divided from the keystone to the still by a mullion. Under the effect of figure-ground the mullion stands out highlighting also its verticality.

The heights have been designed under a gradually way in ascendant direction to the belfry. Half-sphere domes dynamically soften the high. The bell tower is divided by friezes that break its verticality and give scale (see image 126).

Image 126³⁸⁴. North view of Santo Domingo Temple.

383 INDALUX 2002, 175.

384 Elaborated by the author.

193 The west facade of the architectural complex consists of two buildings; the temple and the convent. The architecture of both edifications contrast with each other, while the façade´s temple is rich in ornaments, the convent lacks of architectural details, therefore we can say that the architecture of the convent is completely sober. This different also reflect the distinct stages of construction between buildings.

The west facade of the temple is the most important, that´s why its design is more elaborate in comparison to the other facades. However, if we observe carefully, we can notice that the façade is asymmetric. While the central bay is symmetric, the others side bays have differences, which are

:

• The north bay has an attached massive and there is an arch-window and a pilaster more than in the south bay.

• There are some star reliefs on the bottom of the south bay that are missing in the north one.

• The length of the pilasters of the first story is also different. The pilasters of the north bay are longer than the south ones.

On the west facade of the temple we can see the play of volumes that come out of the main façade’s plane. This produces shadows, causing impression of movement. Vertical volumes are combined with horizontal elements, such as friezes and moldings that generate frames, creating stability and strength on the facade.

The selection of bichrome between the white and the red-brown creates an important contrast that visually helps to section and to define the facade. While vains, niches and vaulted niches interact with rigid elements of the facade, generating a balance between strength and lightness (see image 127).

Image 127³⁸⁵. West view of the convent complex.

385 Elaborated by the author.

194 The south façade is the most sober of the all convent complex. The only decorative elements are the window´s jams on the lower story. There is also an element with two stories, which actually is on the first plane of the façade.

The façade has a rhythm of heights, beginning on both sides with one story and in the just in the middle we found two stories. There is an entrance for cars, which is also on the first plane of the façade. It is hierarchized and flanked by two columns (see image 128).

Image 128³⁸⁶. South view of the convent complex.

On the east side we can identify two buildings; the temple and convent.

Approximately 50% of 100% of the total facade corresponds to the convent and 50% to the temple. The facing of the convent is completely flat and has two stories. 3/4 parts of the facade are roofed with tiles and the rest with flat slab, this creates the feeling that the front is longer than it really is. On the east side is the main entrance to the convent, which is hierarchized from the south access through a pointed arch.

The facade of the temple is composed of different volumes at different levels. This generates motion. Basic shapes like circle, square and triangle were used to design the facade and they are easy to identify. There is also gradual play of heights, in which the belfry protrudes. The friezes are used to give scale to different stories of the temple (see image 129).

386 Elaborated by the author.

195 Image 129³⁸⁷. East view of the convent complex.

4.3.1.5 Function.

According to the four functions that Leland M. Roth (op.cit) identifies in architecture, we have the following diagnosis for the convent complex:

• Practical function.

Today the convent complex is divided basically by two different functions. The function of the temple is still a cult place where religious ceremonies are held by the Catholic Church, while the convent, as it was mentioned, since 1993 is used as a cultural center where exhibitions of works of art and crafts are exhibited. Also are conducted cultural events like; conferences, presentations, concerts, etc. Exhibitions are made usually at daytime, while cultural activities cover both shifts.

• Circulation function.

The circulation spaces for the temple and the convent are inside and outside of the convent complex, for interior spaces are through corridors and courtyards, for exterior spaces are through pedestrian thoroughfares (pedestrian streets, sidewalks, courtyards and squares) and streets are destined for vehicles. This means that the circulation function is adequate and it does not pose a problem for the design of lighting, because users can move from one space to another regardless of the schedule.

• Symbolic function.

The current use of the temple corresponds to the function for which it was designed.

The building reflects to have the character of a Catholic temple. It means that there is a symbolic function.

387 Elaborated by the author.

196 The convent's character reflects the function for which it was designed, however today the use has changed. This has generated that nowadays there is no correspondence between the current use (cultural center) and what it suggests be (convent). According to the criteria used for the conservation of the convent complex, the main intention is to keep the image of what initially was. In brief, regardless of conservation criteria are being followed, there is no symbolic function in the convent.

• Psychological function.

If we divide the convent complex according to practical functions, we have that there is in the temple optimal psychological function. It means that there is a complete harmony and congruence between the others referred functions.

Regarding to the convent, we observe discrepancy in the symbolic function, and therefore there is no optimal psychological function.

A proper lighting can help to reinforce the symbolic function to achieve harmony between functions.