Lichtzauber und Materialität

All the great Finnish Modernist architects have dedicated themselves to designing churches, from Alvar Aalto and Erik Bryggman to Aarno Ruusuvuori and Juha Leiviskä. Their Lutheran churches and chapels rank among the international highlights of modern architecture. At the beginning of the 21st century, Finnish architects have again taken up the challenge of sacred buildings. This book documents ten exemplary structures built since 2000, most of which were designed by younger architects. Their parish churches in towns between Oulu and Helsinki as well as striking chapels are distinguished by special lighting design and a careful choice of materials. Since Finland is Europe's most wooded country, its most popular building material is wood. Beyond their core function, many sacred buildings serve as venues of everyday cultural life.