Johannes-Kirche Bochum

Johanneskirche in Bochum is the only religious building by Hans Scharoun that has ever been realised. He combined important modern characteristics like functionality and harmony with organic architecture. He was one of the most important advocates of such architectural “language”. The asymmetrical church has almost no right angles, which is an element of organic architecture.
The tent-like church built in 1966 was listed in 1997. Currently, one is looking for funds for its renovation.
What Johanneskirche and the famous Scharoun-Philharmonie in Berlin have in common is that while the exterior is unusual for its organic architecture, it is the interior that is really exciting and spectacular. And the interior of the Scharoun church in Bochum is also similar to “Circus Karajani“ in Berlin in terms of its unusual acoustics, which you can experience when music is being performed or speeches given. You hear it all very clearly without any amplification. And there is also the spiritual atmosphere created by the skilfully placed light elements in the roof and the bricked walls. The bricks pay hommage to the “Glockengarten“, once housing not only a bell foundry but also a brickworks. The coarse material, the fine quartzite floor underscore the meaning of this work of art.
The reference to the arts is expressed by the flambeaux chandeliers specially designed by the Bremen-based Bauhaus artists Wilhelm Wagenfeld and an altarpiece by Fritz Winter. Even Joseph Beuys contributed: In 1979, he held one of his famous art talks in here.

Author: Editorial baukunst-nrw
Last changed on 30.09.2009

Categories:
Architecture » Public Buildings » Religious