Pohsarang Church blends with its environment and community
Pohsarang Church blends with its environment and community
KEDIRI, East Java: On top of a hill in a village near Kediri, East Java a small church blends nicely with its environment and the amiable community. It's as if the two compliment each other.
The church, its uniqueness reflected in the richness of its form, is called the Pohsarang Church.
Pohsarang was designed by Dutch architect MacLaine Pont in 1936. He endeavored to create an architectural work which combined local elements of architecture and culture with the inhabitants and their environment, thus representing the local color in unique, functional architecture.
The structure is a development of modern church architecture. The church is no longer a monumental structure soaring up to the skies with a ground plan in the shape of a cross, it is in the form of a fluid tent with an orientation toward curves. The modern architecture of the Pohsarang church is not imposing, it seems natural.
The main entrance is indicated by a split gate reminiscent of an old Hindu temple. Behind the temple are stone bell towers with the church situated on the highest elevation. A stone wall serves as the imaginary border to the church area. Walking up and down the winding paths is a procession in itself, and is inspired by a traditional Javanese ceremony that has now become a procession toward the preparation to pray.
The building consists of two parts joined together with two separate roofs. The main building houses the altar while the congregation uses the other section. The shield roof has Batak peak roof topped with an ornamental cross. The roof covering the veranda is the common saddle found throughout the archipelago. Extended cables free the church from columns and timbering, enabling the priest to easily communicate with his congregation. The simple modern architecture faithfully follows traditional church architecture.
The altar is made from ornamental bricks finely carved by local inhabitants. The congregation sit cross-legged on mats in the ample space in front of the alter.
Simplicity
River stones dominate the building. The use of this material creates an impression of simplicity and a closeness to nature.
The lighting is as natural as possible with skylights at the top of the roof. Sunlight streams across the inside of the roof, creating a warm ambience. The ventilation system is based on natural airing through cross ventilation by raising the roof off the walls. Apart from its refreshing properties, it also gives the impression of lightness and modernism.
Accompanied by liturgical music using Javanese gamelan and gending, the cultural atmosphere is palpable and truly reflects the local spirit. The unique and simple architecture of the Pohsarang Church is capable of evoking a variety of emotions in its visitors.
-- Yori Antar/Laras