Consider the year 1972. St. Laurentius in Stuttgart-Freiberg is a testament to modern church architecture. It stands as a focal point within the community. Architect Jörg Herkommer designed St. Laurentius. Construction finished in 1973. However, the interior design, led by artist Johannes Raphael Potzler, was completed 20 years later.
St. Laurentius aimed to integrate into the everyday life of the community. The city planning office supported this vision. The church’s location near a shopping center, pedestrian zone, and bridge was intentional. This design connected it to the district’s central activities. In 1968, a competition was held to harmonize the church with its surroundings. The goal was to spatially align the building with nearby structures. These included the shopping center and the Apollo high-rise.
The building’s design took these factors into account. The church’s sculpted form contrasts with the high-rise. It is deliberately set close to the property line on Adalbert-Stifter-Straße. The community hall and kindergarten form a connection to the high-rise. The churchyard is part of the pedestrian zone. Entrances to the church, kindergarten, and community hall all open onto it. The shopping center completes the space. A covered stairway links the plaza to the residential area. This area lies southeast of Max-Brod-Weg.
The church’s interior centers around a modified octagon. The seating arranges the congregation around the altar. This creates a semi-circular gathering space. The altar is the central focal point. The pulpit is close to the altar. The chapel is accessible from the main entrance. It connects to the church and altar area. A slightly raised area at the back accommodates the choir and organ. This keeps the singers part of the congregation.
The interior of St. Laurentius is designed with varying heights. It ascends towards the altar. Light enhances this effect. Illumination increases from the entrance to the altar. This use of light and height emphasizes the altar. Rudolf Hagele designed the windows. Wilhelm Derix’s glassworks created them.
A spacious foyer leads into the community hall. A folding wall divides it into two rooms. The larger section includes a stage and kitchenette. In the basement, youth rooms include a workshop. There is also a multipurpose room and a fireplace. These rooms are accessible from Max-Brod-Weg. An internal staircase connects to the community hall’s foyer. This allows shared use of the hall and youth spaces. The kindergarten features play areas, a kitchenette, and offices. Architect Jürgen Seewald designed the playground.
St. Laurentius blends into its surroundings. It lacks a traditional tower. A cross marks the roof. High-rise buildings obscure it. The church is visible from the small Kirchplatz. Johannes Raphael Potzler created a Kreuzweg. It is displayed on the west wall. The church also houses a statue of Maria. The statue represents the appearance of Maria in Fatima. The parish is also called “Nossa Senhora de Fátima”. The Portuguese community relocated to St. Laurentius. This was because their previous location was redeveloped. A wooden figure represents Jesus on the cross. It was acquired by pastor Gangolf Kaiser.