# Sculptural Religious Sanctuaries The Martin Luther Church Focuses on Light and Transparency By Meghan Young | Published 2011-08-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/martin-luther-church References: [plusmood](http://plusmood.com/2011/08/martin-luther-church-hainburg-coop-himmelblau/) & [coop-himmelblau.at](http://www.coop-himmelblau.at/) The [Martin Luther Church](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joe-bonamassa1) is an impressive sculptural structure that is worthy of being associated with this iconic activist figure. Although the shape of this religious sanctuary seems more complicated than a simple piece of furniture, it was actually modeled after a table. The roof acts as the surface, which rests on four steel columns. Designed by [Coop Himmelb](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customer-experience-platforms)(l)au and located in Hainburg, Austria, the Martin Luther Church focuses in particular on the [play with light and transparency](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paviljong-rosendal). This modern building offers an open space in which natural light streams through, giving it a naturally divine presence. The open space of the Martin Luther Church also encourages a sense of community that is further represented by a children's corner and public hall. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 5% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sculptural Architecture:** Innovative designs that focus on the play with light and transparency to create a divine presence and encourage community engagement. - **Open-concept Religious Spaces:** Religious sanctuaries that offer an open space for community gatherings and encourage inclusivity. - **Modern Church Designs:** Contemporary and visually stunning religious structures that attract younger congregations and enhance spiritual experiences. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Innovative architectural designs that focus on light, transparency and community engagement opportunities fueled by new materials and technologies. - **Religious Services:** Adapting religious spaces for the younger generation, increasing membership and retention rates, promoting inclusivity, and enhancing spiritual experiences through modern design and technology. - **Construction:** Opportunities to create visually stunning and structurally innovative religious spaces to meet the changing needs of congregations, such as open-concept spaces that promote inclusivity and community engagement. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Metaphorical Physical Community Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lighthouse-church.md) - [Denmark Suburban Modern Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treroner-church.md) - [Albanian Sleek Concrete Chuches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/narac-church.md) - [Beautiful Forest-Enclosed Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mountain-church-of-julong.md) - [Fluted Concrete-Added Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/st-marys-coptic-church.md) - [Sacred Timber Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-church-tolvkanten.md) - [Hillside Timber Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chapel-of-st-thrse-of-lisieux.md) - [Angular Church Matte Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/red-church.md) - [Barn-Style Teaching Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-house.md)