Grundtvig's Church - collage and architecture

History:Known as the largest pulbic EvangelicalLuthern church in Scandinavia, Grundtvig’sChurch is dedicated to the Danish philosopherand hymn writer Nikolai FrederikSeverin Grundtvigin. Located in the Bispedjergdistrict of Copenhagen, Denmark, it’srare expressionist church architecture makesit one of the best-known churches in the city.The church was commissioned for a competitionto be a national monument, and waswon by the architect Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint in 1913. The architectural style is ablend of a cathedral and an anient Danishcountry church, creating a special historicaland cultural combination. The mainconstruction process started in 1921 andlasted until 1926. The first foundation waslaid on September 8, 1921, after World War I,on Grundtvig’s birthday. The rest of thechurch, including the interior and adjacentbuildings were completed in1940 by Klint’sson, Kaare Klint, due to his death in 1930.Project:Grundtvig’s ChurchKelsey Lane . Jessie Nutz . Bryan WilliamsArchitect:Peder Vihelm Jensen-KlintSite:Designed and built along with the church, the parish hall and apartments that flank the entranceto the church further enhance its visual impact. This straight road continues past the buildingsand becomes the treelined road leading through Bispegjerg Cemetery, further defining theapproach axis. Outside the church’s immediate context are residential neighborhoods.Peder Vihelm Jensen-Klint was born on June21, 1853 in Mineslyst, Denmark. He was aDanish architect, designer, painter, and architecturaltheorist. He attended the College ofAdvanced Technology from 1870 to 1877.There he was highly influenced by JohanDaniel Herholdt, who helped Jensen-Klint’sunderstanding of materials and early Danisharchitectural history. He first began his architecturalwork when designing a villa for hisgood friend W.Holm. He is best know forGruntvig’s Church, one of the most importantDanish architectural works of the time.

Program: Approach / Entry: Geometry:1As described in the site context, theapproach to the church is set up on an axisdefined by both physical and visualelements.In plan the geometry makes this a typicalgothic church. The symmetry of the longnarrow nave and thick columns that rise topointed arches and ribbed groin vaultsdefine the traditional churh hall.3 2 343 5 361. Apse2. Chancel3. Aisle4. Transept5. Nave6. Entrance7. Tower8. Church Hall9. CryptPlan7869SectionMaterials:Stepping away from tradition, the yellow brickand lack of ornamentation add a modernelement to the church.Elevations:The simple butdramaticfacades of thestructureexpress strongverticals typicalfor gothicchurches.Interior:Organs:The church has two organs. The smaller onewas part of the original design and is at thenorth end. The larger one was added in 1965on the western end and holds the largestorgan pipe in Scandinavia. The front facadealso holds elements of an organ in its design.The yellow bricks are burnt from local soil andare a traditional Danish material.Red roof tiles make up the roof of the church.The tall, thin windows and buttresses add tothe church’s emphasis on height.The Ship:Donated to the church in 1939 the hangingmodel ship, named Queen Alexandrine, is anancient symbol for the church. “With Christ atthe helm, performing at life’s stormy seas.” It iscommon for sailors to donate model ships toDanish Churches.