This raises an existential question for buildings which can no longer maintain themselves in good material condition due to the loss of the financial resources which in the past had been provided by a faithful group of people constantly contributing to their maintenance. The solution seems to be giving them an innovative use, while trying to preserve something of their background, that is to be spaces for “a common good”, places to be shared by the community and for the equal benefit of all its members.
Currently, throughout the country there are around 6,900 churches, of which 1,500 have carried out an unprecedented conversion of their traditional functionality. Most of these temples are now used as cultural or social centers, as care institutions, community centers, concert halls, restaurants, hotels and, in some cases, even as homes. In this way, although they seem to lose their original spiritual value, the majestic buildings are preserved for multiple community uses, which in the end may be the most important thing. Reuse appears to have gained momentum and is growing by leaps and bounds in this country. According to real estate consultant Collier International (2), it is estimated that between now and 2030, around 1,700 other churches will lose the function for which they were originally built. This novel solution, even though it definitely breaks with many traditional Christianity schemes, seems to be the only way to save the temples, and incidentally, allow them to generate community well-being.