A pop-up church

Challenge

In the capital of Colombia, Bogotá, the authorities banned all public gatherings during the COVID-19 lockdown. This also applied to cultural and religious associations such as churches. Bogotá has more than 1,500 churches and a predominantly Christian population. The church is a space where many of the city’s inhabitants seek comfort and support in difficult times.1/2

Solution

A pop-up church was built from steel members used in concrete construction. The white-painted steel construction, which consists of adjustable scaffolding parts, supports a cruciform roof of sinus plates. To shield the church space from the surrounding parking lot, ‘facades’ of mosquito nets have been installed, which create a visual barrier to enhance privacy while also allowing air flow. In addition, due to their translucency, the nets glow in sunlight, creating a special atmosphere within the space. The pop-up church is built from materials that would otherwise have been discarded.

The project shows how one of society’s central institutions can continue its activities in an alternative and surprising setting – and that temporary buildings, built from discarded materials, can be both functional and have a high aesthetic value.

Taxonomy

Sphere: Culture/Leisure, Civil associations

Timescale: Short Term

Type: Building Intervention

User Group: All user groups

The pop-up church Alhambra Cross is a temporary, open building

Before COVID-19: Church activities took place inside

After the introduction of restrictions: Activities continue in the temporary, open building

Project & Location: El Terreno, Mexico City, Mexico

Contributor: Vertebral

Established: 2021