Do you see the building at the corner? That’s Église Saint-Paul de la Plaine. It stands out, doesn’t it? This modern church, completed in 2014, stands as a testament to faith in a constantly evolving urban landscape. Église Saint-Paul de la Plaine was designed by the renowned architects Patrick Berger and Jacques Anziutti. They imagined a space that would not just serve as a place of worship. They wanted it to be a beacon of community in the bustling La Plaine district of Saint-Denis.
The church’s most striking feature is its unique shape. It resembles a water drop or even the symbol for infinity. This design is a deliberate fusion of two classic architectural styles: the basilica and the centralized plan. This fusion represents the dual nature of faith: a journey and a communal gathering.
Look closely at the structure. It’s made of a steel tube that twists and turns to create this unusual shape. This intertwining steel isn’t just there for aesthetics. It also provides structural support, with the two loops balancing each other at the point where they intersect. It’s both beautiful and clever. Notice the twelve skylights that punctuate the ceiling. They bathe the interior in a soft, ethereal light. These twelve windows represent the twelve apostles. The thirteenth window, situated above the altar, symbolizes Saint Paul. He was the thirteenth apostle.
One of the most striking aspects of the Église Saint-Paul de la Plaine is its openness. The altar wall is made entirely of glass, offering an unobstructed view of the garden outside. This transparency is a symbol of the church’s desire to be open and welcoming to the community.