OAC, Lucca

The Oratory of the Guardian Angels is in the eastern part of the historic centre of Lucca, located within a large city block; on the outside it is very simple and is difficult to recognise from the street.
You enter the church through a small door on the side. The Oratory was built in 1638 by the homonymous Congregation. The first decorations with paintings and frescoes began in 1658. An explosion of colours and harmony. It was conceived striking a careful balance; the pictorial works of the Oratory are a paradigmatic example of rich Baroque decoration and is itself unique in an urban context. Over the centuries, the Oratory became central in the life of the city thanks to its splendid acoustics, which made it a special place for composers and musicians. For centuries, it has been a place where you can compose, rehearse and record musical scores, and put on performances. The Oratory has undergone a systematic restoration.  The inner courtyard was covered with a light steel and opal glass cover. From the covered courtyard a ramp takes you to the area of the facilities for the spectators and the dressing rooms for the artists.

What makes this project one-of-a-kind?
The first decorations with paintings and frescoes began in 1658. An explosion of colours and harmony. It was conceived striking a careful balance; the pictorial works of the Oratory are a paradigmatic example of rich Baroque decoration and is itself unique in an urban context. On the other hand the new additions of our contemporary project are simple, well organized and necessary for the good use of spaces and shows.