The design was to create a building that represents both past and future. In doing so the design of we formed a house that reflects on the current situation and the challenges Christianity is dealing with.
To reach that goal, the main church has been separated from the additional functions and cluster those together in supporting buildings. This community center and the church itself shall express different architectural languages to strengthen the desired effect.
The rounded interior follows harmonious curves that follow the traditional basilica concept, but does so in a modern interpretation, creating a cradling space on the inside to comfort the visitors.
To emphasize the traditional roots of the church we orientate it directly east-west, following the historical layout. It is positioned in the center of the area seperates it into two plazas: The northern one is articulated as a smaller, more private space, while the southern one is more open and public.
The buildings of the community center form an open ring and shelter the arrangement from the outside. The opening allows the compound to have a strong connection to the lake, whilst blocking the noise of the street.
The church’s volume and outside shape is following classic European church-architecture, showing its heritage. This shape however is formed in a unique way: A series of metal slices is erected vertically, each with 2cm thickness and 18cm gap. Their outside shape is modeled to represent walls, roof and tower, whilst the inside is cut away to give space to a more free form. The rounded interior follows harmonious curves that follow the traditional basilica concept, but does so in a modern interpretation, creating a cradling space on the inside to comfort the visitors.