schneider+schumacher Church on the A 45 motorway in Wilnsdorf

A place for contemplation, a refuge for the spirit and not a place for consumerism: this was the idea of husband and wife team Hartmut and Hanneliese Hering when in 2009 they created an association of sponsors to fund a church on the A 45 in Wilnsdorf, Germany. The structure, begun in 2011 and completed in 2013, was designed by the schneider+schumacher architecture studioand recently won the specialGraniti Fiandre awardas part of the Dedalo Minosse International Prize for Architecture Clients.

The idea was to offer an alternative experience to consumeristic service stations. The Christian-Ecumenical church, built with the contribution of the local community and supported by donations from numerous daily visitors, can host up to 50 people. Theschneider+schumacher architecture studio was entrusted with the project following a design competition. The architects created a completely wooden structure that rests on a concrete base. Outside, the white silhouette of the building recalls churches in traditional villages. The light takes on a special, metaphysical meaning, thanks to two tall spires on each side of the entrance, flooding the altar with natural light.

(Agnese Bifulco)

Design: schneider+schumacher www.schneider-schumacher.de
Place: Wilnsdorf, Germany

Images courtesy of the Dedalo Minosse International Prize for Architecture Clients, www.dedalominosse.org

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