It's exceptional, how loaded the New Church of Valer is with religious symbolism. Proposed for a site in the southeast of Norway, this Christian sanctuary has been designed to exude strong theological references by a number of means.
First of all, the cruciform shape and the sloping roof make the building look like a colossal cross being hoisted up towards the sky. This floor plan facilitates a logical program inside of the house of worship, and is actually one that was common in the architecture of medieval cathedrals.
CEBRA chose wood as the predominant material for the New Church of Valer, again eluding to Jesus' crucifixion. Moments of darkness and the flooding of sunlight generate magnificence within the spaces.
Symbolic Sanctuary Architecture
The New Church of Valer References Religion in Form and Concept
Trend Themes
1. Symbolic Architecture - Exploring the use of expressive symbolism in architectural design to create meaningful and impactful spaces.
2. Religious References - Incorporating religious symbolism in architectural designs to enhance the spiritual experience for worshippers.
3. Wood as a Design Element - Utilizing wood as a primary material in architectural projects to evoke a sense of natural beauty and symbolism.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architects can embrace symbolic design principles to create unique and visually striking buildings that deeply resonate with their intended purpose.
2. Religious Institutions - Religious institutions can utilize architectural symbolism to create immersive and sacred spaces for their worshippers.
3. Woodworking and Timber Industry - The demand for wood as a primary material in architecture provides opportunities for the woodworking and timber industries to collaborate with architects and supply high-quality, sustainable materials.