Saint Bernard's Chapel, in Munich

Abstract

In plan form this church has the shape of an irregular pentagon. The external walls are in brick and are crowned by a reinforced encircling concrete polygonal hoop. The surfaces of the walls are faced both on the outside and internally. The roof consists of metal girders resting at the convergence of the walls on the concrete encircling girder. Timber trellice joists join these girders. Inside, the maximum height of the ceiling is 25 ms, and the continuity of the walls is broken by prefabricated panels carrying glazing, which provides suitable daylight illumination. The roof structure is lined with wood, to give it an interior shape reminiscent of a large tent. The benches for the congregation are arranged in four groups round the altar. The vicarage is older than the church structure, and is built on the same level. There is also a large church hall, suitable for a variety of functions allied to the chapel. Slightly linked with the church body is a 37 ms high tower. The whole design is outstanding because of its clear organic relationship of forms and volumes.