“What does architecture as sculpture mean?” you ask. Here at Pfarrkirche Christi Auferstehung in Cologne, you can grasp the idea. This Catholic church in Lindenthal embodies that very concept.
Pfarrkirche Christi Auferstehung was built between 1964 and 1970. The architects were Gottfried Böhm, Wilhelm Jungherz and Klaus Micheel. The church was intended to be a sculptural statement.
Notice how the Pfarrkirche Christi Auferstehung integrates into the urban landscape. It acts as a focal point at the end of the Lindenthaler Kanal. The canal is flanked by tree-lined avenues. Wide steps create plazas next to community buildings. The church and its tower rise at the end.
The staggered heights, with advances and recesses, create a sculptural quality. The beveled edges add to this effect. Look at the northwest corner. The open spiral staircase emphasizes the tower of Pfarrkirche Christi Auferstehung.
The calculated use of materials enhances the visual impact. Reddish brick alternates with light exposed concrete surfaces. This contrast adds to the building’s unique character.
The floor plan of Pfarrkirche Christi Auferstehung is asymmetrical and polygonal. The resulting angles, recesses, and niches serve liturgical functions. Varying room heights and reduced light create a sense of liveliness. The building feels like a walk-in sculpture.
The windows, also designed by Böhm, feature predominantly red glass. Some are decorated with nails, paint, and synthetic resin. These elements, along with the reddish brickwork, contribute to a cave-like atmosphere inside Pfarrkirche Christi Auferstehung.
Originally the concrete roof surfaces were exposed. However weather damage led to covering the sloping surfaces with lead. This was a necessary adaptation to preserve the structure of Pfarrkirche Christi Auferstehung.
Pfarrkirche Christi Auferstehung exemplifies architectural vision. It is a testament to how buildings can be both functional and artistic. It is more than just a church. It is a sculpture that invites exploration and reflection.