Gabriele Basilico

Concrete Wonders

Jubilee Church

Rome

Designer: Richard Meier

The Vatican commissioned the construction of this church to celebrate the 2,000th anniversary of Christianity. A gleaming contrast to the dull housing blocks of suburban Rome, the Jubilee Church, opened in 2003, boasts three sail-like walls built of 12-ton concrete blocks. Known for his bright-white buildings, American architect Richard Meier used special concrete by Italian producer Italcementi to ensure the church would not become discolored. The concrete not only cleans itself, but absorbs pollutants.