Longitudinal truss churches and hidden steel structures in high modernist sacred architecture
| Project Management | Prof. Dr.-Ing. A. Fissabre and Prof. Dr.-Ing. E. Rottke, FB 1 in collaboration with Anina Janich M.Sc., FB 1 |
| Funding Line | SPP 2255 Cultural Heritage Construction - A Focus Programme of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation) |
| Project Volume | €285.896 |
| Research Focus | Energy and Sustainable Building |
| Project Partners | Prof. Dr U. Pottgiesser (TH OWL) and Prof. Dr K. Thiele (TU Braunschweig) |
| Project Duration | March 2024 to February 2027 |
What is this about?
In the 1920s and 30s, as well as in the early post-war period, numerous sacred buildings were built in German-speaking areas, mostly Catholic and Protestant parish churches as longitudinal truss constructions made of steel. The construction method in the new material steel made it possible to have a column-free interior with a basilica-like cross-section. Initial resistance from ecclesiastical institutions and building authorities to the steel construction method, which was vilified as factory-like and unworthy of a sacred building, led to the deliberate structural concealment of the constructions. For this reason, the construction method of many of these buildings is still unknown today. This research project aims to record and systematically compare the sacred building typologies with hidden steel constructions in their entirety for the first time, in order to then establish essential foundations for the reassessment of the buildings and the application of monument justifications focussing on the constructive cultural heritage.
What motivated you to take part in this call for proposals? Where did the idea come from?
An interdisciplinary investigation of the construction method in the context of contemporary ideas on liturgical reform, novel spatial effects and modern design language represents a knowledge gap of basic research that is also highly relevant from a practical heritage conservation perspective. In addition to the lack of knowledge about the construction methods and the lack of listed status for some of the churches, the current pressure to convert churches to other uses in the context of profanation is a major motivation for the project, which is also receiving significant support from the monument preservation authorities.
What are the benefits of this project for society and/or in terms of sustainability?
The aim is to communicate the extensive building stock of longitudinal truss churches and their architectural value to the public in the context of sustainable development. The project is intended to create the basis for the development of heritage assessments and discuss strategies for the preservation of the building stock.
Who else is involved?
The project is being carried out as part of the DFG Focus Programme Cultural Heritage Construction (SPP 2255) in interdisciplinary cooperation with the Institute for Steel Construction at the TU Braunschweig under the direction of Prof. Dr. Klaus Thiele and the subject area of Building Construction and Building Materials at the TH OWL under the direction of Prof. Dr. Uta Pottgiesser.
