A church in Tenerife (Spain) has been chosen as the best building in the world at the World Architecture Festival. A church located in a very humble neighborhood has captured global attention precisely because of that, for going unnoticed. It is called Church of the Holy Redeemer and it is located in the neighborhood of Las Chumberas, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (the Spanish islands in the Atlantic), and it has taken first place at the World Architecture Festival (WAF), which is basically “the Oscars of architecture”!
The building has surprised people for being a modern, clean design full of intention. It is not one of those typical Spanish or European churches overloaded with elements, simply by looking at it, it gives peace, it gives calm without barely showing anything.
This award places the Canary Islands (and Spain) at the center of the international contemporary design map, and we love it!
Among the best in the world
The WAF is not just another contest, it is the festival. Projects from every corner of the planet compete there: skyscrapers, museums, bridges, housing… the best of the best.
And in that list you can imagine, it was the Spanish church that swept the votes. And the most special thing is that it is not a grand building in a trendy world capital, it is a temple built for a working neighborhood, one that goes unnoticed… No one could have imagined that suddenly this area would end up shining on the world architectural stage!
Reinterpreting Christianity.
It is enough to look at this church to know that it is nothing like what we have seen before, it conveys spirituality but it has no ornaments at all, look at it carefully.
- Very clean lines, without excesses.
- Games of light and shadow that change as the day goes on.
- Sober materials that invite reflection.
It is an architecture that speaks simply but not commonly, which is why the jury highlighted its ability to create silence, serenity and emotional connection without resorting to the usual.
It was born with the neighborhood in mind
Another point that won over the jury was its relationship with Las Chumberas. The church was not designed as a “monument”, but as a living space for the community, meetings, cultural activities, celebrations… a place to connect its neighbors. This building gives even more identity to the neighborhood and creates a meeting point that goes far beyond the religious.
Spain once again leaves its mark on world architecture
We have spent years watching Spanish studios stand out abroad: sustainable projects, award-winning renovations, urban design… Now, with this recognition, Spain adds another major achievement and proves that we can also innovate in spaces that are traditionally much more conservative.
Why is it the “best building in the world”?
According to the WAF jury, because of a mix of factors that is hard to replicate:
- A solid concept full of intention.
- A spectacular use of natural light.
- Complete coherence between what it is and how it is experienced.
- Its direct impact on the community.
- And, above all, the ability to move people emotionally.
So Tenerife has managed to become a milestone, the Church of the Holy Redeemer has shown that designer architecture can be made in any corner of the world, even in neighborhoods that usually do not appear as tourist destinations.
What else can be seen in Tenerife?
Beach, volcanoes, nature, Tenerife is magic, and now it is also a tourist destination to experience an incredible spiritual moment. Of course, responsible tourism because we only have a few islands and they must be cared for!
Here is the route so you also fall in love with Tenerife and the Canary Islands! Travel to Madrid or Barcelona from anywhere in the U.S., from there you can take another flight to Tenerife. Once on the islands, you can take a taxi or a guagua (bus) to go to Las Chumberas, our recommendation is that you see it in daylight so that you notice how its interior changes depending on the time of day, and entrance is free!
Of course, do not miss visiting Teide or Las Teresitas Beach, you will thank us later!