There are thousands of unique and world renowned churches across the world, but no chapel is quite like this spectacular chapel in Columbus, Indiana. Columbus is heralded often for the many amazing examples of architecture within the city, and this chapel is no exception. The North Christian Church is one of the most unique structures in the world.
Hans Kundnani/Flickr The North Christian Church was first founded in 1955, though this unique structure was not completed until 1964. It was designed by Eero Saarinen, a Finnish architect.
Penn State University Library/Flickr The church was designed with the intent of building a structure that could serve as a monument. The building was to return to the original model and design of original churches, while incorporating modern elements. In order to make up for the space lost by the artistic design, Saarinen had rooms like classrooms, meeting rooms, and the kitchen housed in a hidden basement. Only the chapel or sanctuary area remains above ground.
Penn State University Library/Flickr The basement below is also a large hexagon, mirroring the sanctuary above. Directly in the middle of the sanctuary area is the Lord’s Table.
Matt Lehrer/Flickr
the.urbanofile/Flickr The hexagonal shape of the sanctuary serves as a reminder that worship should be the central part of a church’s congregation. The hexagonal shape allows for pews to wrap around the main altar, reflecting this notion.
Penn State University Library/Flickr
Penn State University Library/Flickr Whether you’re religious or not, this stunning chapel’s architecture and design is bound to captivate you.
Matt Lehrer/Flickr In fact, in 2000, this building actually became a National Historic Landmark for its contributions to the modernist architecture movement. That’s quite an impressive chapel!
From its unique design and shape to the many modernist and well-tailored interior details, the North Christian Church is truly an impressive example of architecture and a special place to encounter. If you haven’t visited this chapel before, make sure you make a trip this summer.
Hans Kundnani/Flickr
The North Christian Church was first founded in 1955, though this unique structure was not completed until 1964. It was designed by Eero Saarinen, a Finnish architect.
Penn State University Library/Flickr
The church was designed with the intent of building a structure that could serve as a monument. The building was to return to the original model and design of original churches, while incorporating modern elements. In order to make up for the space lost by the artistic design, Saarinen had rooms like classrooms, meeting rooms, and the kitchen housed in a hidden basement. Only the chapel or sanctuary area remains above ground.
The basement below is also a large hexagon, mirroring the sanctuary above. Directly in the middle of the sanctuary area is the Lord’s Table.
Matt Lehrer/Flickr
the.urbanofile/Flickr
The hexagonal shape of the sanctuary serves as a reminder that worship should be the central part of a church’s congregation. The hexagonal shape allows for pews to wrap around the main altar, reflecting this notion.
Whether you’re religious or not, this stunning chapel’s architecture and design is bound to captivate you.
In fact, in 2000, this building actually became a National Historic Landmark for its contributions to the modernist architecture movement. That’s quite an impressive chapel!
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