MAGNIFICENT PROJECTS: the basilica

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1 a r d. f. l l i r a c c a n e l l o s. p. a.. i n d u s t r i a v e r n i c i e s m a l t i We did this CATHEDRAL OF MONGOMO MAGNIFICENT PROJECTS: the basilica The construction of the new Basilica of Mongomo (Equatorial Guinea) is indeed a prestigious project for Ard. The Guinean President Obiang Niguema Mbasogo & the government strongly desired this new cathedral to celebrate presidential authority and strengthen the catholic stream in the country. The monumental basilica (10,000 cubic metres) stands on a hill which dominates the city of Mongoma; its classic architecture with a Latin-cross plan was inspired by & recalls the long tradition of cathedrals in old western catholic cities. Many of his projects abroad - particularly in Equatorial Guinea concern public buildings such as the mausoleum Obiang in Mongomo ( ) & the Presidential Palace in Bata ( ). Ruffini Decorazioni - Carpineti (Reggio Emilia) won the tender for the decoration of the cathedral, built in record time ( ), and chose our (Ard) products for the decorations & frescoes. The products and technical assistance were supplied by the Colorificio Monte Valestra in Scandiano (Reggio Emilia). In short, a concert of Italian expertise & technical-artistic excellence planned to guarantee the flawless result of a complex & prestigious project. Colore & Hobby interviewed the professionals involved to gather some details and cosiderations. The apse frescoes represented a moment of creative inspiration This magnificent structure was projected and realized by a Genoese architect The construction David Gaggero. of the new Basilica of Mongomo (Equatorial Guinea) is indeed a prestigious project for Ard. When did it all begin? David Gaggero I have now been collaborating with an African construction company (which works with the government and the Guinean Presidency) for many years. About 7 years ago Mbasogo visited Rome and the idea of erecting a Cathedral in his native town Mongomo came about spontaneously. 78

2 We did this CATHEDRAL OF MONGOMO of Mongomo David Gaggero (Architect) designed the cathedral. Planning & research took about 2 years (realized exclusively with governmental funds); the project was then presented to the Vatican to be named after Giovanni Paolo II on the occasion of his beatification. The customer desired a classic architecture similar to old fashion cathedrals & St. Peter s was an example! Modern & temporary architecture was excluded, initially the cathedral had a centrally planned structure but a Latin-cross plan was necessary. We presented an avant-garde project for the interior decorations and after a scrupulous evaluation of the best Italian decorators we chose Ruffini. The collaboration with Ruffini was extremely fruitful, faultless and rewarding. The technical & artistic expertise facilitated the choice of the most appropriate products for the interior decorations. Do you think there will be a follow-up to this project in Equatorial Guinea? Absolutely! I have been working with Equatorial Guinea for the last ten years. I have realized several projects such as the Presidential residence, the mausoleum in Mongomo, the parliament in Malbo, the Sofitel President Palace Hotel, the national library and many other governmental buildings. Furthermore, when the President visited the construction site he expressed his intention to commission another project. 7 9

3 Questo l abbiamo fatto noi CATTEDRALE DI MONGOMO Even if the supplies came from different suppliers were no setbacks whatsoever. The collaboration with the Colorificio Monte Valestra was simply perfect! Timing, precision and competence allowed us to respect the programming which wasn t simple considering the fixed shipping deadlines metres were decorated (dome, apse & side walls). How was everything organized? It was rather complex and articulated. First of all, considering the tight schedule; we were assigned this project and had to be ready 15 days later! All the products had to be of Italian origin in order to guarantee state-of-theart decorations. Our (Ard) products were ordered at the Colorificio Monte Valestra in Scandiano. There were no setbacks with the three shipments, everything went smoothly and the cathedral was terminated after only 3 and a half months. Our two decorators & painter with the help of some local labourers carried out the interior decorations & frescoes of the roof, vaults, dome, shipments, everything went smoothly and the cathedral was terminated after only 3 and a half months. Our two decorators & painter with the help of some local labourers carried out the interior decorations & frescoes of the roof, vaults, dome, apse and side walls for a total of 2800 metres. The decorations were defined by the architect whereas the frescoes were left to us. The application of the same represented the most creative & rewarding moment of the whole project. 8 0

4 This project represents the Cathedral of Mongomo. The architecture is sharply evocative of catholic cathedrals. The monumental construction stands on a hill which dominates the city of Mongomo and is very close to the main roads. There is a road that leads directly to the cathedral or alternatively, steps to the main square. Different spaces surround the basilica: the main square, the gardens along the sides and behind the apse; the gardens which surround three large halls for the catechumens (also used for recreational purposes). The architecture of the main square includes two arcades which embrace the three sides and converge into the principal facade strongly evocative of St. Peter s square in Rome. The porticoes are an allusion to the entering of the Lord s House. A traditional 2000 m² wide latin-cross plan was employed capable of holding 800 followers. The construction is composed of a portico in the entrance, a large hall, a transept with the a secondary altar on one side and a baptismal fountain on the other and a magnificent apse which holds the main altar. The hall is dedicated to the followers, its nave is 12 metres high and the aisles (which hold the secondary altars) are 6 metres high. A suggestive light penetrates through the superior ornate window panes. As in many examples of Renaissance architecture (es.: Brunelleschi s Church of Santo Spirito in Florence) the aisles embrace the transept whereas the dome, the most important feature, is positioned where the transept crosses with the nave. The 39 metre dome was inspired by the Tempio della Consolazione in Todi, four angular pillars divide the nave and transept and support the cylinder tholobates which raise the dome crowned by a lantern. How did you choose the most appropriate products? Tomas Ruffini - Italian quality & excellence was the key to success! Poor quality and even toxic products are often employed in Africa. We chose Siliard Paint (siloxanic paint) a specific high performing paint to tackle the high & humid temperatures & favour breathing of the substrate. 8 1

5 Questo l abbiamo fatto noi CATTEDRALE DI MONGOMO The team: Simona Colicchia, Giuseppe Beretti, Caludio Beretti & Monica Spezzani (Colorificio Monte Valestra). The blind marble columns were decorated with Tema Luce, a top quality nontoxic water-dilutable enamel based on acrylic polymers in aqueous dispersion and lightfast colouring pigments which guarantee excellent resistance to atmospheric agents, colour stability, adhesion and elasticity. Tema Luce produces a smooth full glossy film with a remarkable coverage & pleasant odour therefore, ideal for poorly aired premises & public facilities. After an attentive evaluation we chose Siliard Paint as a primer. Once again, we preferred to invest in the quality & technological excellence that distinguishes Ard. Which part of the project was carried out in Italy? Valery Ruffini The hues were prepared with the tinting machines here in Italy. As to the decorations; before leaving we created customised masks which were hand finished in loco. Part of the frescoes were also prepared in loco and another part here. 500 square metres of canvas. The initial project for the apse was modified and only part of the canvas was employed. The programming & work carried out in Italy allowed us to save time & obtain the best results possible. How has your company successfully developed over the years? Ivano Ruffini I began working in the graphic industry many years ago but I found my vocation in art! I have passed my passion & the know-how acquired over the years on to my children. Ruffini Decorazioni work all over Italy and with international architects, designers etc. Our experience and passion for art in general speak for themselves. This experience in Guinea was indeed unique decorating the entire Cathedral was a strong commitment which confirmed our avant-garde know-how & excellence. The experience of working with different cultures was also eye-opening! 8 2

6 a r d. f. l l i r a c c a n e l l o s. p. a.. i n d u s t r i a v e r n i c i e s m a l t i Colorifico Monte Valestra Founded: 1966 Sector: Manufacturing, retail/wholesale of paints, varnishes & enamels. Site: Carpineti & Scandiano Reggio Emilia. Partner: Ard F.lli Raccanello SpA (an example of expertise) Colorificio Monte Valestra offer state-of-the-art technology and quality excellence. The Colorificio Monte Valestra had an important role in... Claudio Beretti Definitely! We supplied all the products (Ard) required and even if logistics were far from easy the puzzle was completed perfectly. Ard delivered every single article within two days. Thanks to this perfect partnership, Ard always guarantees a flawless service which meets the needs of the most demanding customers, we are now the leaders in the province of Reggio Emilia. The main square resembles the Bernini colonnade square in Rome (St. Pauls s Cathedral). 83