St Thomas Church

HILDEBRAND St Thomaskirche Nakarin Modell

Seven elliptical rings stacked on top of each other symbolizing unity and transcendence define the design of the Saint Thomas church. The round shape of the public building consciously sets itself off from the profane urban context and marks the spiritual centre of the local community. Carried by twelve large wooden pillars, which represent the twelve apostles, the seven incongruent layers create an atmospheric interior space symbolizing the fragmentation and complexity of life, as well as conveying a sense of unity. While the introverted wooden structure evoke feelings of shelter and contemplation on the inside, the use of glass between the pillars and inside each ring allows the building to appear transparent and light up much like a lantern at night. On a programmatic level, the community centre is located at the periphery of the plan, embedding the central space of worship at its core. The organisation allows for a clear distinction between the profane and sacred but also stands for a strong permeability and interconnectedness of religion and daily life.