The churches at the Federal Garden Show 2023
Space and communication concept for a ecumenical area of the Catholic and Protestant churches
Together with the renowned scenographer, Anna Kirsch, we were able to design the spatial and communication concept for a ecumenical area of the Catholic and Protestant churches at the Federal Garden Show (BUGA) 2023 in Mannheim.
Together with the project steering group, we conducted several workshops in which we intensively analysed the values, messages and questions of meaning underpinning the church, after which we evaluated the results and developed an overriding concept on this basis. The aim was to create a place that provides space for visitors’ pressing questions. Church, as we know it, should be experienced in a new and creative way.
Classic ecclesiastical elements were re-thought and designed with sustainability in mind on the ground plan of a cathedral: the area was given a time-honoured “peace bell”, around which an innovative garden with a green church tower, a nave under a colourful roof, a cloister with a “sound shower” and a stream were then created.
In cooperation with the Popakademie and the composers’ collective “Tonkönig”, a sound installation has been created in the cloister that also facilitates the concept’s realisation in terms of sound.
The logo – complete with claim – that we developed also convey the message. The colours of the rainbow symbolise diversity and peace, while the claim “Perspectives grow here” promises the prospect of confidence and hope.
The project is particularly sustainable – after the BUGA ended, all the elements were donated to various institutions for further use. The conversion of the church roof into playground equipment was a particularly spectacular achievement.