A church that looks as though it has been plucked straight out of Minecraft is being built in Wrocław. Designed by Jadwiga Grabowska-Hawrylak, the building is characterised by geometric, angular shapes, complemented by the stark colours of concrete and brick, and a minimalist approach to detailing. This strongly evokes associations with the world of the popular game, where objects are built from simple blocks. The Church of the Redeemer of the World on Macedońska Street is one of the largest religious buildings constructed in the city since 1989.
The origins and construction of the Church of the Redeemer of the World
The church was built to commemorate the Millennium of the Diocese of Wrocław, which is reflected in its impressive scale. The design was selected in an architectural competition and then implemented in stages over several years. By 2001, the building shell was complete. Further work involved the finishing and interior fit-out according to a design by Maristella Sienicka and continued for several more years. The final works involved the construction of the spire on the left tower, whilst the right tower remains unfinished and awaits its turn.
A church straight out of Minecraft – form and inspiration
The building’s form is based on distinct vertical divisions and a strong vertical composition. The arrangement of the two towers flanking the nave evokes associations with Wrocław’s Cathedral of St John the Baptist, though the interpretation of the historic building is far more synthetic. Instead of intricate details, we see simplified, geometric forms here, which clearly points to postmodernism. The façade has a symmetrical layout with tall, slender windows reminiscent of Gothic lancets, yet devoid of decoration. The façades are finished in brown brick, concrete and steel, which only heightens the impression of austerity and heaviness. It is precisely this geometric, modular composition that makes the building reminiscent of the world of Minecraft. The combination of simple forms, sharp edges and a limited colour palette is reminiscent of virtual structures built from square blocks.
2014. Photo credit: Columba livia/fotopolska.eu
The interior was designed as a vast hall with a large volume, tailored to the liturgy. The numerous windows are angular and lack stained glass, which is why they illuminate the nave so well. Its colour scheme consists of a modest palette of pastel yellows and whites, whilst the floors are laid with high-gloss porcelain tiles, in which the high vaulted ceiling is reflected.
Church of Christ the Redeemer of the World –underconstruction
The Church of the Redeemer of the World is undoubtedly an interesting example of our native, contemporary sacred architecture. Designers of churches built after 1989 often drew inspiration from postmodernism, yet Jadwiga Grabowska-Hawrylak’s Wrocław project exceptionally vividly captures the fascination of the time with geometry in every possible form and a playful approach to form. The final shape of the building will only be revealed in the future, but it is already clear that it differs from the original concept.
Source: odkupiciel-swiata.wroclaw.pl
Read also:Architecture in Poland|Religious architecture|Wrocław | Interesting facts| Postmodernism