Swedish architecture studio Förstberg Ling has unveiled its competition proposal for a church made of three separated volumes in Ylivieska, Finland. The most emblematic part of the building is to consists of a cone-shaped tower, acting as both a light-house and symbolic structure of this trilogy. 

The church has three parts comprised of the steeple, the basilica and the parish hall. The steeple is designed as the classic symbol of a Christian church, a high tower to be seen from a distance. 

The steeple also contains the old church bells as well as an entrance door made out of wood recycled from the former, burnt down, church. The domed foyer within acts as a welcoming space - a hub in between the different parts of the building.

The basilica is reached through the main stair leading down from the foyer. The lower aisles surrounding the main hall allows for access to the sacristy and smaller chapel without disturbing the peace of the narrow and high central nave. By placing the main floor below ground, a smaller footprint in the park is made possible, with the new church harmonizing in scale with the old one.

The parish hall is the home of the congregation. A flexible space with an adjacent kitchen and a direct connection to an outside courtyard. One end of the large room opens up toward a balcony overlooking the basilica for occasions with a larger audience.

Model of the building 

Floor plan

Basement plan

Section

Section

Section-elevation

Section-elevation

All images courtesy of Förstberg Ling

> via Förstberg Ling