Ecumenical Temple of Maspalomas

Project overview

Type: Architectural animation / 3D modeling
Location: Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain
Year: 2023
Client: City Council of San Bartolomé de Tirajana – Department of Culture and Historical Heritage
Technology: 3D modeling, photogrammetric scanning, rendered in Unreal Engine
Technical collaboration: Architect José Luis Gago Vaquero

Ecumenical Temple of Maspalomas – 3D Reconstruction Animation

Rediscovering a Landmark of Modern Architecture in the Canary Islands

The Ecumenical Temple of San Salvador, located in Maspalomas (Gran Canaria), stands out as one of the most unique examples of modern Spanish architecture. Designed by architect Manuel de la Peña in the late 1960s, it was the first ecumenical temple built in Spain—created to provide a shared spiritual space for the growing international community that arrived with the rise of tourism.

Recreating its original form to educate and inspire

To help the local community rediscover and appreciate the architectural and historical value of the temple, the City Council of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, through its Department of Culture and Historical Heritage, commissioned Moøkan to create a visual piece that would bring the original design back to life. The project was developed in collaboration with architect José Luis Gago Vaquero, a specialist in De la Peña’s work.

The result is an architectural animation

The result is an architectural animation that shows the construction process step by step, restoring the building’s original form—before later modifications were added to meet changing needs. We began with the original plans, which we validated and supplemented through on-site data collection, including photography and detailed measurements. This allowed us to confirm proportions, capture undocumented elements, and 3D scan key artistic features such as the concrete stained-glass window designed by sculptor Giraldo and the large iron gate by artist José Abad.

The animation not only informs

The animation not only informs—it evokes. It reconstructs the building with architectural precision, highlighting its technical innovations, material choices, and symbolic layers. It serves as both an educational tool and a cultural resource, helping audiences understand the deeper significance of this remarkable structure.

Technology in service of heritage

This project showcases how architectural visualization can become a powerful tool for heritage education and preservation. Through 3D modeling and technologies like Unreal Engine, we created a visual narrative that is both accessible and rigorously grounded in historical documentation. At Moøkan, we believe in the power of digital experiences to promote cultural understanding, encourage engagement, and unlock new ways of connecting with the built environment.

Do you have a space worth rediscovering?

Would you like to bring back the original vision of an architectural work?
At Moøkan, we specialize in digitizing, modeling, and bringing to life buildings, sculptures, and heritage spaces through high-impact virtual experiences.

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