Wednesday 13 February 2013

CATHEDRAL OF NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ARCTIC CIRCLE


On Monday Februay 11,  the Crown Princess of Norway, Mette-Marit, inaugurated the 47 metre high Cathedral of the Northern Lights built  in Alta, Norway, which is around 500 km north of the Arctic Circle. The church is designed by schmidt hammer lassen architects in cooperation with Link Arkitektur.

John F. Lassen, Founding Partner at schmidt hammer lassen architects explained that, “The Cathedral of the Northern Lights is in its design a result of the surrounding nature and local culture. The building is a landmark, which through its architecture symbolizes the extraordinary natural phenomenon of the Arctic northern lights. The cathedral reflects, both literally and metaphorically, the northern lights: ethereal, transient, poetic and beautiful. It appears as a solitary sculpture in interaction with the spectacular nature.”


The metallic spiral form of the building, actually clad in titanium, which  strong, light, brilliant and resistant to corrosion. The architecture of the cathedral is built as such to reflect the spectacular Northern Lights Aurora Borealis, during the  long periods of darkness during  the Arctic winter. The cathedral comprises of  administrative office, classrooms, exhibition areas, parochial area and the church room which can accommodate 350 people. 

For more information, visit  schmidt/hammer/lassen architects
Image source of Cathedral - Gizmag

CATHEDRAL OF NORTHERN LIGHTS - ARCTIC CIRCLE






NORTHERN LIGHTS - Aurora Borealis







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