“Architecture and daylight” studio visited Markus church in the south of Stockholm!
Getting here took us around half an hour by train from the city centre. This church is just outside the train station, but one can hardly notice it since it is hidden by the trees.
The building is designed by one of the most famous architects – Sigurd Lewerentz. There is a story that the architect himself stayed on site while the craftsmen were building it. He purposely lied to his workers that the brick wall will be covered in plaster so they would not lay bricks in a perfect way. Who knows if it is true or not, but the architect’s idea was to get this rough, heavy and brutalist look of the church.
The studio’s focus is light and shadows, and Markus church is an amazing place to get inspired. Our task was observing the space, sketching and analysing light and shadows. Playful natural light changes throughout the day. The light beam (in the first photo) is moving inside the church as the sun moves! How exciting is that?
It was an incredible experience to see how architecture students occupy the empty church, filling it with life. It was almost like a performance: since the sun was shifting, students were moving from one place to another.
We were lucky to hear the organs playing, creating an even more magical experience… Also, I have to admit, the moment I entered this place, my body and mind were filled with tranquillity and a feeling of calmness.
If you come to Stockholm, this place is a must-visit!
//Martyna