Spanish architect Elisa Valero Ramos, who designed the Holy Spirit and Saint Josefina Bakhita churches  in Granada, will be the fourth speaker of the conference series on ‘Contemporary Religious Architecture in the Mediterranean World’ jointly organised by Dominican Study Institute-Istanbul (Dost-I) and Istanbul Medeniyet University Department of Sociology, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erhan Berat Fındıklı as the project manager and also with the contribution of Depo Pergamon, Istituto Italiano di Cultura – Istanbul, Instituto Cervantes de Estambul.

In her theoretical work titled ‘Diamond theory and the architectural project’, Elisa Valero Ramos, who continues her professional life in Spain, defines architecture as the field of those who want to make the world a more beautiful, humane and livable place. She draws an analogy between architects and diamond cutters and explores the contingencies of architecture.

Elisa Valero Ramos is a Spanish architect known for her simple, sustainable and reflective approach to design. A lecturer at the Technical School of Architecture in Granada, Valero’s work is characterised by the economical use of resources, the intelligent use of light and a deep respect for context. Valero has received many awards and recognitions for his work, demonstrating how simplicity and innovation can coexist in projects that make a significant impact on everyday life and the built environment.

The the Holy Spirit Church in Granada, designed by Elisa Valero Ramos, emphasises the spiritual symbolism of the space with its simple geometry and use of natural light. With fine lines and simple materials, Valero Ramos creates a peaceful environment that invites contemplation. On the other hand, the Church of Santa Josefina Bakhita in Motril is a contemporary work that combines functionality and symbolism. It responds to the needs of the local community by using pure volumes and a sustainable design. Both projects reflect his commitment to an architecture that is both modern and deeply respectful of spiritual meanings.