#Sacral building #Basel #1927
Kannenfeldstrasse 35
4056
Basel,
Switzerland
Public transport: Kannenfeldplatz
Today's use: church
Description
Referred to as "the soul silo" in the beginning years, the church with its 62-metre-high tower can be seen for miles around. This first sacred building in Switzerland, built in formwork-rough concrete, is considered an architectural milestone of modernism, and its significance extends far beyond the country's borders.
The unadorned long sides are accented with large glass windows, which are set above slightly projecting confessional niches. One niche houses a side entrance. To the north, a slightly protruding tower formed of staggered wall panels completes the complex. The tower ends in a towering concrete cross. The main access is through a courtyard passage in the south. Concrete ribs, reminiscent of a Gothic vaulted portal, refer to the passageway. The following courtyard is decorated with a trombone angel by Max Varin.
Description
Referred to as "the soul silo" in the beginning years, the church with its 62-metre-high tower can be seen for miles around. This first sacred building in Switzerland, built in formwork-rough concrete, is considered an architectural milestone of modernism, and its significance extends far beyond the country's borders.
The unadorned long sides are accented with large glass windows, which are set above slightly projecting confessional niches. One niche houses a side entrance. To the north, a slightly protruding tower formed of staggered wall panels completes the complex. The tower ends in a towering concrete cross. The main access is through a courtyard passage in the south. Concrete ribs, reminiscent of a Gothic vaulted portal, refer to the passageway. The following courtyard is decorated with a trombone angel by Max Varin.
History
The church was consecrated on September 13, 1931. Between 1985 and 1991, a comprehensive renovation of the building followed and the exposed concrete walls, which had become damaged, were renovated.
History
The church was consecrated on September 13, 1931. Between 1985 and 1991, a comprehensive renovation of the building followed and the exposed concrete walls, which had become damaged, were renovated.
Sources
