Carlos Ciríaco Massa
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Carlos Ciríaco Massa (born 14 March 1897– 1980 in Buenos Aires, Argentina) was an Argentine architect and teacher, considered one of the most prolific designers of religious architecture in the country.[1] He graduated from the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Buenos Aires in 1922 with a thesis on the restoration of Romanesque monuments.[2] Under the leadership of Cardinal Santiago Copello, Massa developed a systematic plan to expand the Catholic presence in the suburbs, building 36 churches between 1944 and 1952.[3]
Massa implemented a design method known as cloned churches, based on a modular system inspired by Lombard Romanesque architecture.[4] This system allowed churches to be adapted to the budget and terrain using five basic elements: bell tower, nave, chancel, side chapels, and apse. According to studies, this methodology reduced costs by 40% and allowed works to be completed within six months.[5]