Oddly, the \u00c9glise Sainte-Claire is the only church in Paris with an entrance directly on the boulevard p\u00e9riph\u00e9rique. Completed between 1956 and 1958, the \u00c9glise Sainte-Claire stands as a testament to modern architectural design. Andr\u00e9 le Donn\u00e9, a student of Auguste Perret, designed it. Le Donn\u00e9’s innovative use of concrete defines the church.
Interestingly, the design juxtaposes a cube and a hemisphere. This bold combination creates a unique visual statement. The \u00c9glise Sainte-Claire became a parish in 1963. But its story began well before that.
Originally, the area around the \u00c9glise Sainte-Claire was vastly different. The Villette district was once home to a large livestock market and abattoirs. In 1959, the neighborhood’s population had doubled. The Saint-Fran\u00e7ois-d’Assise church could no longer accommodate everyone. Therefore, the decision was made to build a new chapel. This chapel would later become the \u00c9glise Sainte-Claire.
The new chapel was dedicated to Sainte Claire d’Assise. She was a disciple of Saint Fran\u00e7ois and founder of the Order of Poor Ladies. The choice of Sainte Claire as the namesake was natural.
Architect Andr\u00e9 Le Donn\u00e9 drew inspiration from Middle Eastern homes. These were places where early Christians gathered. Concrete allowed Le Donn\u00e9 to cantilever the choir. This was done over the railway line that served the abattoirs. This design created a nave for 700 people and a large meeting room.
By 1974, the abattoirs had moved to Rungis. In 1996, the city reevaluated the church’s visibility. Pierre Buraglio and Christian de Portzamparc were entrusted with the task.
From the outside, the \u00c9glise Sainte-Claire sits below the p\u00e9riph\u00e9rique. The bare concrete cube was covered with Norwegian stones. This evokes the Sainte-Claire basilica in Assisi.
At the east end, the portal has two equal leaves. These open in the axis of the church. To the west, a monumental steel cross marks the church. It stands 15 meters tall. This cross, designed by Buraglio, is more than a sign. It is a link to the bell tower.
Inside, the morning sun floods the choir. Le Donn\u00e9 used indirect lighting to highlight this area. The mosaics by Ir\u00e8ne Zack feature symbols of early Christians. These include a fish and the Alpha and Omega.
Twelve pillars support the building. Light filters through narrow windows. These windows are decorated with translucent colored tiles. The baptistery and stoups are carved from lava stone. A statue of Sainte Claire holding a pyx stands in the right aisle.
An oratory sits under the choir. The stained glass by Louis-Ren\u00e9 Petit connects the prayer space to the city. The \u00c9glise Sainte-Claire’s design reflects Franciscan values. Its simplicity and light create a unique place of worship. The \u00c9glise Sainte-Claire maintains regular religious services. It also offers youth programs. This modern church in Paris is more than just a building. It is a community hub.