Kapelle der Versöhnung

The Kapelle der Versöhnung, or "Chapel of Reconciliation" was create to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The church was built upon the site of an old church that had been inaccessible since the division of the city in 1961 and which was also demolished in 1985 to keep firing line open.

The structure of the 7m high oval of the chapel was constructed using a rammed earth technique. Brick rubble from the old church was blended into the rammed earth mixture as as symbol of remembrance and the homogeneous horizontal layers allow for an interior atmosphere of tranquility and seclusion.

The combination of wood with the rammed earth material reinforced only at certain points, was intended to project an "open cage" concept to reflect upon the fragility and vulnerability of peace and reconciliation.

Elegant, simple and beautiful!