field chapel in boedigheim, germany

‘field chapel in boedigheim, germany’ by students of the college of architecture at the illinois institute of technology with ecker architekten all images courtesy of fotographie brigida gonzalez

‘field chapel in boedigheim, germany’ is the product of the design-build studio at the illinois institute of technology college of architecture (IIT) and germany-based architectural firm ecker architekten. to translate the students’ drawings and sketches in to construction documents, the firm acted as a mediator to acquire proper permits in germany.

directed by professor frank flury, the 9m tall sanctuary is ‘an interdenominational chapel, a space for people who are in a search for god – a place for quiet reflection, but also one that welcomes hikers and cyclists who appreciate a rest stop that has a sense of beauty.’

materials of the chapel were picked for their quality and sustainability: all the wood used in the construction was donated by local municipals. the choice of larch did not require weatherproofing and will eventually turn the tower to a silver-grey patina. the bricks used for the platform were also donated from a nearby building site while the gravel and limestone blocks were dredged and quarried within walking distance of the project.

interior

tower

concept sketch