Autobahnkirche Siegerland
Church in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Autobahnkirche Siegerland or Autobahnkirche an der A 45 is an ecumenical Christian road church at the Bundesautobahn 45 near Wilnsdorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Opened in 2013, the building has received several architecture awards.
| Autobahnkirche Siegerland | |
|---|---|
Exterior | |
 Autobahnkirche Siegerland | |
| 50.8176°N 8.0869°E | |
| Location | Wilnsdorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
| Denomination | Ecumenic |
| Website | www |
| History | |
| Consecrated | 2013 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect | Schneider + Schumacher |
History
The church is one of several German road churches which was initiated by private patrons and was financed primarily by donations. The building was erected following a design by Schneider + Schumacher from Frankfurt which won a 2009 competition.[1] It was inaugurated on 26 May 2013 and received several architecture awards.[2]
The church is dedicated to quiet contemplation[3] by Christians of all denominations and is always open.[2][3] It is run by the Förderverein Autobahnkirche Siegerland association. The association organises a Wochenschluss-Andacht on Fridays and occasional cultural events with religious themes, such as sacred music.[2]
Architecture
The exterior is based on simple geometric elements such as triangles, mostly in white.[1] The silhouette alludes to the pictogram for the German road churches. It resembles a piece of folded paper, with an allusion to two towers.[4] The entrance area features a typographic installation by Peter Zizka, quoting from Psalm 91:11 (Er hat seinen Engeln befohlen dich zu behüten auf allen deinen Wegen - For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways).[4]
The interior, dominated by wood, contrasts with the abstract exterior. An "organic" wooden structure is reminiscent of a tent.[4][5] A wooden free-standing structure is focused on the altar, enhanced by indirect lighting.[4]
