Finnish Lutheran Church Canberra 1961 by Grounds Romberg & Boyd

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Finnish Lutheran Church Canberra 1961 by Grounds Romberg & Boyd | A Forgotten Mid-Century Modern Gem

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3 жыл бұрын

Kevin Hui and Andrew Maynard checking out a lesser known church by Grounds Romberg & Boyd in 1961 in Canberra. The Holy Trinity Finnish Lutheran Church Canberra is a good example of simple mid-century architecture in Australia.
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Пікірлер: 74

@imadasmone8915 3 жыл бұрын

I suppose the best way to learn architecture is by experiencing.. if not, by watching videos like these.. 😍

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, definitely. We are trying to make learning about architecture accessible

@imadasmone8915 3 жыл бұрын

@@Archimarathon appreciate that effort very much

@Nynke_K 3 жыл бұрын

When I saw the picture of the two of you in the wooden pews against the wooden ceiling, it seemed very Nordic and that made so much sense for a Finnish church - but I could never have predicted the dramatic roof and spire or the very poor insulation! 😅

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Australia. Hard tents.

@davidchannon6004 10 ай бұрын

I went past here today. It was a nice surprise on my way to the Botanical Gardens having watched this video a year or so back.

@davidchannon6004 10 ай бұрын

I then saw the Shine Dome 5 minutes later. It was an ArchiBiathlon.

@MrDavidPrime 3 жыл бұрын

Churches that are well executed, like this one, always seem to have a certain quality about them that is hard to find in other buildings

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Churches tend to mess with your senses

@2brazy4ubitch 2 жыл бұрын

Or just specific concern to some sort of controlled/modelled daylighting strategy because of the obvious connection to heaven etc? It’s only just clicked for me after someone pointed out light is only visible when it hits matter (i.e. objects and surfaces unless your building is full of dust) so may as well think through all daylighting as surface-lighting where bringing up ambient light level in the room is one of more than one possible end goal to have.

@theficklalchemist Жыл бұрын

I live in a pre-WWII unit designed by Roy Grounds and I’ve been researching his work out of personal interest. It’s amazing to see similar glazing and symmetry choices reflected in this building.

@Archimarathon Жыл бұрын

Moonbria?

@theficklalchemist Жыл бұрын

@@Archimarathon Clendon Corner. This block includes Grounds’ concept of expanded gallery access but shares more noticeably similar design elements with Quamby and the inclusion of private balconies. Moonbria elements can definitely be seen over the fence next door at Clendon, with its u-shape block enclosing large north-facing decks and a stunning courtyard, which comes to life over Spring and can still be enjoyed by Clendon Corner. Win/win ✨

@infamoussphere7228 2 жыл бұрын

I have my Finnish classes here! Because the Finnish community in Canberra is now very small, the peak of immigration being in the 60s - hence the church - the Finnish club no longer exists and most of the community organisational stuff is done via the church, even things that aren't religiously affiliated. a) I love that you mentioned that the Finnish community complain about how un-insulated Australian buildings are. I live in a Canberra house that's from the 50s and it's not too bad at all in the summer, keeps cool quite nicely, but Canberra is a cold bastard and in winter it doesn't hold onto the heat too well. On the other hand I find Finnish buildings can be, for my taste, way too hot. My Finnish partner wears t shirts inside in the middle of winter in Finland. b) this church is FREEZING. I've been wearing a coat inside from about April onwards. I feel sorry for the older Suomalaiset who attend services here.

@Archimarathon 2 жыл бұрын

Voi ei!!!

@morneschroeder6255 3 жыл бұрын

A gem of a building, absolutely love the structure and detail. What an amazing interior!

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Morne. Yes it’s so underrated

@kbal1451 2 жыл бұрын

Long time Canberran here, been here since 1970. My God, I've always hated that Grounds Romberg & Boyd church and other similar architecture doted around town, but you guys have given me a real appreciation for them. I feel like popping out to check on some of the others.

@Archimarathon 2 жыл бұрын

Why hated?

@kbal1451 2 жыл бұрын

@Archimarathon Oh I just twigged that it was the church we were talking about. There's something about these buildings that's too angular for me. It seems lacking in permanence? Thinking about it now it's hard to put my finger on it. Other buildings like it around town are the Lobby Restaurant (near Treasury & Old PH) and old kiosk building near CIT in the city & Anzac Park West APW building. Also the Red Hill lookout restaurant has similar angles to the roofline.

@phoebe9130 2 жыл бұрын

i live just around the corner and had always wondered about this building! such nice light at sunset through the top!

@hurtecho 2 жыл бұрын

I feel like the space could use some depuration in some areas but I understand that there's an assigned use to each environment inside and it looks like the spaces were adapted at convenience...incredibly symmetrical building, what a joy! There's an inherent solemnity to buildings like this that's unrepeatable, evident in the whispering type of feeling.

@simeonjamison3034 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful building! The insight on how buildings are often better preserved due to a limited budget is food for thought. In South Africa there is also not much heritage preservation for buildings such as these.

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

I think it’s easily overlooked by how good some of these mid century modern stuff can be. I think the uninitiated wouldn’t know how to look and appreciate it.

@aldrichjohn10 3 жыл бұрын

I love the church, one of a kind symmetrical marriage of structural system and the plan. A lot of space is filled with light, across the corners which is very unique. Less-known but actually piece of gem of liturgical architecture. Great discussion Archimarathon.

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Have you been to it before?

@aldrichjohn10 3 жыл бұрын

Never been there, but during the scenes and discussions, all I see in those spaces is a well use with natural light! One of the things what makes it great for me.

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Check out the original plan. Was even more amazing

@gabybordino6024 3 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful building! It´s simple but full of amazing and clever details. I love the use of materials. The church is really interesting. I particularly love to study and learn about cult architecture because materiality and spiritual meanings are tightly connected. In this case, in a brilliant way

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

We can see the original intentions despite how the building has evolved over time and things altered.

@martinwander8295 2 жыл бұрын

Lovely building. Thank you. I’m struck by the way that both of you changed demeanors so each cadence and volume as you entered the sanctuary. That speaks to the way that excellent architecture truly affects the people surrounded by that architecture. It affects all of your senses. Perhaps a blind person would understand the building by the way it manipulated senses beyond sight.

@Archimarathon 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Martin. Yes definitely. In fact I had to boost Andrew’s volume right up as he was practically whispering. It’s a pity the building, and in effect this video doesn’t get much love as it deserves.

@NovocastrianWaves 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks for doing that. Despite growing up there, had only driven past so definitely stopping for a look next time

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Yes. Easy to overlook and most people would never have been inside

@NovocastrianWaves 3 жыл бұрын

Congrats on the channel - our kids refer to our family trips hunting out buildings as ‘Architorture’ I’ll suggest they subscribe

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Haha for more architorture?

@bondiblokeoz 3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful intro to this extraordinary building which I remember personally from early 60s. Thanks. One comment on your commentary: I'd be really interested if you'd examine more closely and explain the changes to the place over time, ie, how the real-life users have adapted Grounds' original proposition. Like the awfully clumsy (tho surely necessary) air-con units, the clumsy lighting beam in the library, etc... I think of Stewart Brand's "How Buildings Learn": how the architectural vision succumbs to the rigorous of the (ummm..) real world.

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

We actually didn’t know anything prior to visiting and I only managed to get hold the original drawings a few days before the video release.

@aoustenaloysious8324 3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate your efforts... I am learning how to learn from you guys... Looking forward to more of it... ❤❤❤

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Welcome to our channel

@lachlancarmichael-whyte9174 3 жыл бұрын

Check out the NOSHI art gallery in Canberra

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Did you mean the Nishi Gallery?

@mapout.studio 3 жыл бұрын

beautifull!

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Yes it's a bit of an unsung hero this one.

@saketjawaji1557 3 жыл бұрын

oooh fucking fantastic. subbed

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Cheers

@ethanscotney9999 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing simple building with so many very interesting things, and good lessons to learn ahah. Great video, good job :) also if the afternoon light is in the back then would the morning light 9am or so be on the altar or at least close?

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Yes it would definitely be overlooked by someone not knowing how to look. No alter is in the north and therefore the sun will always hit the back sections.

@ethanscotney9999 3 жыл бұрын

@@Archimarathon ahh guess I should have read that from the floor plans north being up hehe

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I didn’t included it (as it was intended for merch). But yes the east and west narthex should have made sense

@blackkookaburra6952 3 жыл бұрын

Great episode. The Finnish Lutheran church is mentioned as having heritage value for the community, in a heritage nomination for the adjoining church designed by Ken Woolley.(interesting building as well). As the assessment processes are very slow both buildings have no official heritage listing status as yet but any work would need to be assessed through the heritage council. This helps retain some of the character and history of the area and preserves good design.

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Yes we discovered the Ken Woolley designed church as well and took some footage but didn't make it into this episode. Interesting I thought I heard this church is on the ACT Heritage Registration list

@blackkookaburra6952 3 жыл бұрын

@@Archimarathon The block has only been nominated to the ACT Heritage Register. A determination has not yet been made regarding the listing of the site on the register but given its qualities I am shore it will be. I have just had the pleasure in documenting the existing and it is a fantastic example of Late Twentieth-Century Ecclesiastical style Architecture.. Lots of detail and significance in the design.

@benk1844 3 жыл бұрын

do you think the "sacred" quality (acoustics, light, progression, volumes that = sacred ) is achieved through triggering a sense of "returning to the womb"? The acoustics are an echo, soft with long reverbs = the muffled "underwater" sounds of being inside the womb, The warm light may be like the yellow-red quality of light that you get if you shine a light through skin, the bright light above may be like the "light at the end of the tunnel", entering light as you are born. The circulation/progression through volumes may be like the space of sanctuary inside the womb, and the linear channel as a pathway between there and the outside world?

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Dunno. Interesting thoughts though

@Sp33dYAU 3 жыл бұрын

@@Archimarathon this is the correct answer

@gregsparrius9576 3 жыл бұрын

It feels a very homely community -minded place, and fir me it’s because the central form and light is over the congregation rather than something fancy going on over the priest/sermon/word. Also warm light, timber, quietness and floating roof brings those feelings about. I would have preferred if those white side walls were cut down with highlight glass over so the roof would seem to float more… but who am I to hassle Roy Grounds’ work from 1961. Thanks for showing us through

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Shhh… it’s actually Frederick Romberg of Grounds Romberg and Boyd.

@andgo1400 3 жыл бұрын

Very appealing structure, the interior though could benefit from some cleaning and editing.

@Sp33dYAU 3 жыл бұрын

Im amazed you dont have more followers, recent content is MCM utopia!

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I wonder that myself. Too niche as we are not just serving up archiporn?

@judithp8552 Жыл бұрын

😊

@RB-zm4fk 3 жыл бұрын

Not very churchy, me likey! Beautiful place and functional too

@Archimarathon 3 жыл бұрын

Curious what you consider as churchy.

@RB-zm4fk 3 жыл бұрын

@@Archimarathon I'm catholic so like those churches, extremely grand and imposing which I guess was meant to symbolise what we were worshipping. Religion is a bit different in Philippines. Especially coming from a very religious family. I'm not very religious cause of it 🙃 This structure, if you are to go there for Mass would seem more of a reflection of whatever teaching was for that day. But the ceiling and light would be the only physical reference to 'god'. It's actually quite beautiful... kinda like a poem 🤭