Swedish architecture firm Elding Oscarson has created a cube-shaped church and community centre in Gothenburg, Sweden. The structure is clad in diagonal aluminum bars, which create a “moire” effect. Moire architectural patterns are created when two repetitive structures overlap, resulting in a visually dynamic effect that changes with the viewer’s perspective and lighting.
Frihamnskyrkan, or Freeport Church, fits with the harbor area’s old industrial buildings.
The abstract upper facade creates a moire effect from a distance, particularly from the corners. It is an abstract interpretation of the church’s biblical symbol—the wheat awn.
Diagonal aluminum bars are intended to evoke this symbol and sit above a lower level clad in wood.
The main spaces are above a glazed ground floor designed to be easily accessible from all sides. The floor contains communal areas and a cafe.
Above, the first and second floors house a double-height, 1,100-seat hall accessed via a curved staircase.
Natural wood and white walls are the primary palettes throughout the building, with the hall’s seating finished in earthy brown and green tones.
