# Massive Modern Sanctuaries The Neulsam Church Embodies Contemporary Design as a Concrete Monolith By Amelia Roblin | Published 2014-02-23 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neulsam-church References: [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/478765/neulsam-church-lee-eunseok-k-o-m-a/) When you read the word "church," you probably picture something that looks quite different to the Neulsam Church. Erected in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, this striking 21st-centry sanctuary certainly impresses with its scale and its [monumental walls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concrete-house-1), seeming to channel the spirit of medieval and renaissance cathedrals with an industrial age execution. Built by Lee Eunseok and K.O.M.A, this impressive structure was intended to be fairly simple in style, and if you look at how large it is, the building indeed doesn't possess as much detail as it might have. The noteworthy features of this [place of worship](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/st-leonards-church) are the [protruding rectangular bell tower](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lighthouse-church) and the subtle curve to one of its facades. Behind its bulky concrete walls, the Neulsam Church houses enormous space for a large congregation, seated in an amphitheatre-like chapel. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 83% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Contemporary Church Architecture:** The Neulsam Church showcases the potential for combining modern and traditional design elements in sacred spaces. - **Monolithic Structures:** The Neulsam Church demonstrates the power of using large, imposing shapes in architectural design. - **Multipurpose Worship Spaces:** The Neulsam Church shows how a sanctuary can serve not only as a place of worship but also a gathering space for a large congregation. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Opportunities arise for architects to experiment with new materials and shapes to create awe-inspiring and functional spaces for large groups. - **Religious Institutions:** Religious institutions can look to the Neulsam Church as inspiration for creating versatile and contemporary spaces for worship and community gathering. - **Construction:** Construction companies have the chance to showcase their technical skills in building large, complex structures using innovative techniques and materials. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Reflection-Encouraging Cohesive Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hjvangen-church.md) - [Denmark Suburban Modern Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treroner-church.md) - [Beautiful Forest-Enclosed Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mountain-church-of-julong.md) - [Sacred Timber Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-church-tolvkanten.md) - [Fluted Concrete-Added Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/st-marys-coptic-church.md) - [Metaphorical Physical Community Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lighthouse-church.md) - [Reflective Memorial Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sanctum-of-trees.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)