St. Hedwig’s Cathedral Berlin

THE NEW CITY OF GOD IN THE CITY
A cathedral in the city places high demands on architecture. It invites people and wants to connect them with a different world. They should be able to “lift up their hearts” (see Eucharistic Prayer) and catch a glimpse of the transcendent reality of the hidden God.
The dome church of St. Hedwig in particular suggests the idea of the revelation of John:
“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God…. He will dwell among them and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them” (see Revelation 21:2-3)
Further references to our design arise from the further verses of Revelation 21:9-27.

THE SPLENDOR OF GLORY
We design the dome – as an analogy to the celestial vault – as a radiant light dome. Acrylic glass panels with LED surface lighting, controllable in colors and brightness, create differentiated light sequences. Depending on the occasion and church calendar as well as the time of day, a specific light setting can be chosen and programmed. The acrylic glass panels are perforated and backed with sound-absorbing, transparent acoustic fleece. The light dome also serves as the general lighting of the cathedral.

THE WALLS
With ivory-colored glass mosaic, a transparent appearance is created. Individually scattered golden mosaic tiles additionally reflect the light. The mosaic in a format of 2x2cm is not grouted, thus contributing to the refraction of unwanted sound reflections.

THE 12 PEARLS
The 12 windows and door frames are covered with mother-of-pearl mosaic. The glazing of the windows is of subtle transparency, achieving a balance between openness and protection.

THE FOUNDATION STONES
The 12 bases of the columns are intended to represent the 12 foundation stones of the city wall and will be covered with glass mosaic in the traditional gemstone colors. The name of an apostle will be engraved on each foundation stone.

THE FLOOR
The floor will be covered with ceramic mosaic, suitable for heavy foot traffic. The color combination of the individual tiles is chosen to create a warm, golden tone.

THE CROSS
We envision an Easter cross that radiates splendor and joy and grows into the sky. It is clad with precious stones (cut glass stones in various sizes are assembled into a puzzle).

THE ALTAR
The altar is round. The positive association of the “round table,” where all come together on equal terms, was decisive for this. Just as the consideration that the priest’s position is variable, which corresponds to the round shape of the room.

THE LANTERN
As a connecting element of the entire ensemble, the lantern will be built in an analogous manner to the new staircase tower and the new building at the Bernhard-Lichtenberg-Haus. The easily readable guiding principle for these components is: “All walls become transparent!”. We want to install a golden cross on the lantern, which catches the first light of the morning and reflects it into the outer city, as preparation for the inner light.