04-07-2017
schneider+schumacher Church on the A 45 motorway in Wilnsdorf
Helen Schiffer,
![schneider+schumacher Church on the A 45 motorway in Wilnsdorf
schneider+schumacher Church on the A 45 motorway in Wilnsdorf](https://www.floornature.com/media/photos/1/12871/02_autobahn_chapel_credits_helen_schiffer_home_sez.jpg)
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.
![](/media/photos/1/12871/01_autobahn_chapel_premio_dedalo_minosse_home_sez.jpg)
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