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WINDOW TO THE HEAVENS

　

Location

The primary aim of this new church is to complement and enhance the dramatic Pulpit rock plateau, not to dominate it. Every year, a significant number of visitors arrive at this site to admire the spectacular geological beauty of the cliff's edge plunging downward to the fjord far below. In fact this location is nothing less than an iconic image in Norwegian culture. Therefore, placement of a new church directly upon the plateau itself would obscure this landmark in an intrusive and inappropriate manner. Rather than build the church in a way that covers up the unspoiled, uncorrupted beauty of God's natural surroundings, it is proposed that the main area of the Pulpit rock plateau be preserved in its natural state, as a　symbol of God's majesty and the　sensitive beauty of nature.　We propose that the new church be situated nearby, in a harmonious balance with the powerful rocks, the wind and the blue fjord below. ( see diagram).

　

By locating the new church nearby , one can respect and uphold this important iconic site.

　

The Church as a Metaphor

　

The objective is to help foster one's sense of the spiritual and visual experience when visiting this church.This can be made possible by having the visual contact from the church to the stunning  and inspirational view of the Pulpit rock plateau. 　

　

Equally,　one may be inspired by the sight of the fjord through the 'window to the heavens'. The large framed window built into the front elevation is envisaged as a opening to the 'heavens' from inside this church. The main idea here is to capture and celebrate the highest spiritual feeling by having this view to the beautiful fjord across and below as one sits during the church service　and as one contemplates this precious location.

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The Western Wall

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On the western side the wall has small openings that allow diffused light to stream in. The calm, soft light enables one to have a sense of spirituality and which refers well to past stained glass windows.

　

The Form of the Church

　

The new church has two 'smiling' curved side walls, which imply a gentle and graceful upward movement(which simultaneously takes its reference from the Shofar, as the biblical Icon), for an enhanced spiritual experience. 　At the front end one has the feeling of rising up 'to the heavens and beyond ' which is made physically possible by the curved structure. The raised portions of the　church's curved　form also　facilitate the seating inside effectively. The raised platform　in the front section　satisfies the traditional need to see the pulpit.

One is further reminded here of the risen Christ embodied in the formation of this curve looking up to the heavens. This is a symbolic act here designed to incorporate both the metaphysical as well as the practical. The gesture of these curved walls is considered as one of the most important aspects of the concept, namely that this church is in its shape and form the expression of worship of Christ, the risen Christ who died for our sins and who rose again on third day and went to heaven.

　

The Construction

　

The entire construction is made of local wood.　A steel frame is provided at the floor level to support the basic wooden structure.Over time the wooden structure will blend in further with the surrounding landscape as it matures into a more greyish colour. This church is designed so as to be environmental friendly and sustainable,　while discreetly respecting the natural beauty of God's creation.