“Saint Arsenie the Great” – reinvented orthodox church

AB+PARTNERS

Completed Projects – Culture. Heritage

Republic of Moldova

Company Name

AB+PARTNERS

COMPANY COUNTRY:

Moldova

ARCHITECTURAL CREDITS

“AB+PARTNERS” “Alexandrin Buraga”

Project Team

“Alexandrin Buraga”

CLIENT OR OWNER NAME:

Project Name:

“Saint Arsenie the Great” – reinvented orthodox church

Project Country:

Republic of Moldova

Project City:

Cornesti

Project Category:

Culture. Heritage

Project Area:

300

Completion Date:

2025-10-10

Project overview

The project proposes a minimalist approach to the Neo-Byzantine style, shaped through clean volumes, simplified geometry, and a palette reduced to its essence. The central dome, crowned by a cross, becomes the symbolic focal point of a discreet and balanced composition. The church’s overall structure mimics the profile of an open sacred book, symbolising an invitation to spiritual wisdom and accessibility.

Project history

One day the architect was asked if he could design an orthodox church. The task was extremly delicate, as the orthodox religion has very clear style and symbolism, as well the architectural boundaries. The answer came after few days and nights after the architect had a dream with the shape of the future church to rise above the hills: “If I would design an orthodox church, it can only be like this.”, and presented his sketch to the investor. The design was approved and the journey began. After 3 years of building process, the church became a local landmark, being also visited by lots of tourists.