Out of Service? - Swiss Sacred Architecture in Transition

Description

Whether baroque opulence, modern simplicity, or brutalist austerity; ringing bells, religious rituals, or contemplative silence. Sacred buildings have held a central place in Swiss society for centuries. Their halls have long been the center of everyday life, religion, and community, and their towers marked the heart of rural villages and urban districts. However, increasingly, faith and church are penetrating less into the Swiss population. Many of the once lively places of worship are becoming empty, while missing tax revenues make their costly maintenance more difficult. Therefore, more and more congregations are seeking alternative property strategies. But what ritual and architectural qualities need to be preserved? What new uses could find space in these once sacred halls? And what can – and must – change to ensure that our sacred buildings remain a defining and communal heritage? The exhibition, based on historical and contemporary projects from Switzerland, shows how many different paths of transformation are possible – from expanded church benches to demolition. This aims to foster a collective discourse on the change and preservation of sacred buildings. Because to preserve their architectural and cultural value, they deserve new societal meanings – beyond religious rituals. Out of Service? – Swiss Sacred Architecture in Transition is an exhibition by ZAZ BELLERIVE. Curated by: Fabian Ruppanner, Nora Hochuli

Highlights

• Exhibition on the transformation of Swiss sacred architecture
• Addresses alternative usage possibilities
• Location: ZAZ Zentrum Architektur Zürich

General Information

The exhibition "Out of Service?" explores the challenges and transformations of sacred buildings in Switzerland. It showcases historical and contemporary projects and encourages discourse on their preservation and new uses.

Location

Höschgasse 3, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland

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