# Contemporary Crucifix Facades The All Saints Chapel Takes the Pure and Symbolic Form of the Cross By Amelia Roblin | Published 2012-08-07 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/all-saints-chapel References: [contemporist](http://www.contemporist.com/2012/08/06/all-saints-chapel-by-gustavo-penna/) & [gustavopenna.br](http://www.gustavopenna.com.br/projetos) I don't believe that it would be an overstatement to describe the All Saints Chapel as divine. The remarkable contemporary building formally embodies the most recognizable symbol of the [Christian](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/azzedine-alaa-foundation) religion, and does so in an aesthetically irresistible way. The four-pointed cross makes up the [minimalist front and back facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/narac-church) of the church, clad in a sophisticated gray stone that extrudes along the length of the structure. When observed head-on, the sanctuary seems impossibly slender; however, there is a material and spatial illusion at play. As a nearly invisible extension below the horizontal lintel, a single enclosed room is formed with a perimeter of [transparent fenestration](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exchange-pavilion). Continuous tiling from outside to inside Gustavo Penna's All Saints Chapel makes the space look permeable and leaves expansive outward views of the Brazilian landscape. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 36% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: South America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Minimalist Architecture:** The use of a simple and sleek design in architecture has the potential to disrupt traditional building aesthetics. - **Symbolic Design:** Incorporating symbolic elements into design can create unique and visually captivating structures. - **Illusionary Spaces:** Creating illusions through architectural design can redefine spatial perceptions and create immersive environments. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Architects can explore innovative ways to create modern and visually striking buildings. - **Religious Institutions:** Religious institutions can incorporate contemporary design elements into their sacred spaces. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** The unique and visually appealing designs can attract tourists and visitors to religious landmarks. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Building-Nestled Compact Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chapel-cafe.md) - [Modern Tuscan Chapel Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pailunga-tuscan-chapel.md) - [Sacred Timber Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-church-tolvkanten.md) - [Fluted Concrete-Added Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/st-marys-coptic-church.md) - [Compact Urban Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-chapel.md) - [Reflection-Encouraging Cohesive Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hjvangen-church.md) - [Albanian Sleek Concrete Chuches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/narac-church.md) - [Angular Church Matte Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/red-church.md) - [Inverted Boat Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-barca.md)