…And there was light

“Light is the most sensitive and expressive element in the language of architecture. A house is always made of building materials, but the essence and emotional atmosphere of a given space is dependent upon light. Light can express hope, liberation, joy, bliss, devotion or ecstasy - all emotions which the material ways and means of building are scarcely able to evoke. The same is true regarding the impression of something sacred in a church; this feeling is mostly evoked by the lighting. Alvar Aalto’s Church of the Three Crosses in Imatra and Juha Leiviskä’s Myyrmäki Church and Männistö Church are impressive examples of contemporary churches in which it is the light that creates an atmosphere of sublimeness and sacredness. In both cases, the light inside the church is the soothing and comforting light of the northern landscape and its forests.”

Juhani Pallasmaa

“When I step to the altar or into the pulpit of my home church, the light purifies my mind and soul. I feel I am standing close to both heaven and my parishioners. The lights and shadows in the sanctuary touch me and penetrate my body. They speak to me about God’s extravagant love. To him all are alive.

“In Myyrmäki Church I am never alone. Together with all the saints and angels, I join the ranks of the sojourning people of God.”

Jaakko Simojoki

“…bright edges nail a building to the universe much more effectively than rounded corners. Lightness calls for edges that catch the light, thus enabling the strongest possible interplay of lights and shadows.”

Juha Leiviskä

Light brings textiles to life

“The woven work of art on the altar wall comes alive with the changing light. The symbolic colours of the church year are repeated in its sections: green is symbolic of life and growth, violet of quietness and penitence and suffering, blue of the sky, and white of celebration, purity and eternal joy. The same symbolism is repeated in the liturgical vestments and other textiles.”

Kristiina Nyrhinen