future community culture.
On the inside the new sanctuary establishes the perfect environment
to fully execute contemporary Chinese protestant liturgy: In order
to guarantee an unobstructed view onto the stage for all believers,
the design employs an organization similar to multilevel theaters,
and arranges the seating areas on 3 floors concentrically around
the stage, highlighting the Christians’ equality before God. The
stage is designed as a large and flexible space, as in accordance
with the diverse activities performed by pastors, choirs, preachers,
children theatre groups etc.
The churches’ outer wall it is wrapped around the hall like an
ancient parchment scroll. It varies in height defining the volumes
of nave and steeple, evoking a spectacular silhouette of historical
cathedrals. It consists of fair faced concrete with a bamboo texture,
giving a local character to the building‘s appearance.
today‘s China.
Fuzhou is a city with one of the largest Christian communities in China. Undergoing an unprecedented phase of growth, Fuzhou’s new district Jinshan is yet to establish its first formal Christian venues. Most churches built in China today follow simplified historical styles, often trying to resemble European cathedrals. The bulk of believers are not aware of the various architectural models developed in the past, the idea that a church can be modern is often unheard of. The challenge of this project was therefore not only to satisfy the functional needs, but to guide the newly founded congregation towards an architecture specific for its place and time, with deep spiritual meaning reflecting their future community culture.
On the inside the new sanctuary establishes the perfect environment to fully execute contemporary Chinese protestant liturgy: In order to guarantee an unobstructed view onto the stage for all believers, the design employs an organization similar to multilevel theaters, and arranges the seating areas on 3 floors concentrically around the stage, highlighting the Christians’ equality before God. The stage is designed as a large and flexible space, as in accordance with the diverse activities performed by pastors, choirs, preachers, children theatre groups etc.
The churches’ outer wall it is wrapped around the hall like an ancient parchment scroll. It varies in height defining the volumes of nave and steeple, evoking a spectacular silhouette of historical cathedrals. It consists of fair faced concrete with a bamboo texture, giving a local character to the building‘s appearance.
A processional staircase connects the square on ground with the entrance to the hall on the second floor, and leads up to a generous roof top terrace reserved for various activities. Unlike most of the gated Chinese churches, the surrounding space is open and publically accessible, attributing an identity of freedom to the religion, and rendering the building an urban landmark in the classic sense of the word. The resulting combination of space, shape and material will create a sacral place true to the believers’ identity, aware of its historical dimension, but well rooted in today‘s China.