In 2001, when the architecture competition for the Cathedral of the Northern Lights was arranged, the city council in Alta did not just want a new church: they wanted an architectural landmark that would underline Alta’s role as a public venue from which the natural phenomenon of the northern lights could be observed.
The Cathedral of the Northern Lights is in its design by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects a result of the surrounding nature and local culture. The building is a landmark, which through its architecture symbolizes the extraordinary natural phenomenon of the Arctic northern lights. The significance of the northern lights is reflected in the architecture of the cathedral. The contours of the church rise as a spiralling shape to the tip of the belfry 47 metres above the ground. The façade, clad in titanium, reflects the northern lights during the long periods of Arctic winter darkness and emphasizes the experience of the phenomenon.
Inside the main area of the cathedral, the church room creates a peaceful contrast to the dynamic exterior of the building. The materials used, raw concrete for the walls and wood for the floors, panels and ceilings, underline the Nordic context. Daylight enters the church room through tall, slim, irregularly placed windows. A skylight lights up the whole wall behind the altar creating a distinctive atmosphere in the room.
The cathedral, which can accommodate 350 people in the church room, also has administration offices, classrooms, exhibition areas and a parochial area.
CREDITS.
Architect team.- Schmidt hammer lassen architects. Link Arkitektur A/S.
Client.- The Municipality of Alta.
Area.- 1,917 m²
Construction sum.- €16.2 million.
Competition.- 2001, 1st prize in restricted architecture competition.
Status.- Construction period 2009 – 2013.
Engineer.- Rambøll AS, Alta.
Main contractor.- Ulf Kivijervi AS.
Art work.- Peter Brandes.
