Notre Dame de L'Assomption

Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Conceived as a symbol of hope, resilience, and spiritual renewal, the proposal for the reconstruction of Notre Dame de l’Assomption Cathedral sought to honor both the memory of the past and the aspirations of Haiti’s future. Following the devastating 2010 earthquake, the project envisioned a new cathedral complex that would serve not only as a place of worship, but also as a civic and cultural anchor for the community. The design organizes sacred, memorial, educational, and communal spaces around a central spiritual axis, creating a sequence of experiences that encourage reflection, gathering, and healing. Through its monumental yet restrained architectural language, the cathedral was envisioned as a beacon of faith and permanence within the urban fabric of Port-au-Prince.

The proposal places memory at the heart of the architectural experience. Memorial spaces, including a columbarium, crypt, and commemorative monument honoring the victims of the earthquake, are integrated into the site as places of remembrance and collective healing. The architecture embraces the realities of Haiti’s climate and construction context through the use of durable materials, natural ventilation strategies, generous shading devices, and locally inspired craftsmanship. Sacred art, stained glass, sculpture, and liturgical elements are woven throughout the complex, reinforcing the cathedral’s role as a center for worship, education, and community life. More than a reconstruction effort, the project sought to transform tragedy into a lasting expression of faith, resilience, and national identity.