# Symbolic Sanctuary Architecture The New Church of Valer References Religion in Form and Concept By Amelia Roblin | Published 2013-04-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-church-of-valer References: [beautifullife.info](http://www.beautifullife.info/urban-design/new-church-of-valer-by-cebra/) & [cebra.info](http://www.cebra.info/) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/azzedine-alaa-foundation) sanctuary has been designed to exude strong theological references by a number of means. First of all, the cruciform shape and the [sloping roof](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-barca) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innovation-campus-1) 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 8% ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Symbolic Architecture:** Exploring the use of expressive symbolism in architectural design to create meaningful and impactful spaces. - **Religious References:** Incorporating religious symbolism in architectural designs to enhance the spiritual experience for worshippers. - **Wood as a Design Element:** Utilizing wood as a primary material in architectural projects to evoke a sense of natural beauty and symbolism. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** Architects can embrace symbolic design principles to create unique and visually striking buildings that deeply resonate with their intended purpose. - **Religious Institutions:** Religious institutions can utilize architectural symbolism to create immersive and sacred spaces for their worshippers. - **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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Reflection-Encouraging Cohesive Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hjvangen-church.md) - [Albanian Sleek Concrete Chuches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/narac-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) - [Metaphorical Physical Community Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lighthouse-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) - [Reflective Memorial Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sanctum-of-trees.md) - [Multi-Faith Spiritual Temples](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nondenominational-temple.md) - [Temple-Inspired Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/j-kidman-architecture.md)