2004 - competition entry
bøler church
The Norske Arkitekter Landsforbund (Norwegian Architects Society) launched an open international competition to design a church and community-center for Bøler, a suburb of
The design has been organised along a horizontal linear plinth that bisects the site and contrasts with the site’s sloping contours. The plinth (community) supports the church, and also creates a series of new public spaces, including a new open flexible outdoor public space on its roof. The church has been designed to slot into this man made landscape form, continuing its language. It is intended to be a highly sculpted form, made of timber and glass. The chapel is positioned to the north east of the church forming a further public outdoor space, where people can meet their friends and parishioners before the church service.
The church has been designed around a three metre high glazed strip at ground level, over which wraps a timber volume. The timber volume symbolizes a heavenly space that shelters and defines the congregation. Internally, the timber volume is a very warm golden colour, whilst externally the timber will be made of shingle that will weather to become almost silver in colour, contrasting inside and outside.
Entering the nave, the 3m high strip of glazing wrapping around the ground level will allow views out over the landscape, connecting the church with nature with the church space.
awards
Open International Competition
RA Summer Exhibition prize for model
