Tour the refreshed Saint Andrew Holborn: an icon reveals its crisp new inside in London

Saint Andrew Holborn has been introduced into the twenty first century, because of a delicate redesign by architect DaeWha Kang. The construction is a heritage constructing from the late seventeenth century (rebuilt after injury through the Second World Struggle) by Sir Christopher Wren and his largest parish church. The challenge carried out a restoration and redecoration programme for the beloved piece of spiritual structure in central London, in shut collaboration with St Andrew’s Guild Church Council.

Inside London church Saint Andrew Holborn

Kang writes on the constructing’s historical past: ‘The church’s inside, devastated through the Second World Struggle, was reconstructed within the early Sixties by architects John Seely and Paul Paget. During the last half-century, the Grade I-listed church suffered from a proliferation of litter. On the similar time, the evolution of the Metropolis of London into an office-centric zone and the following decline in Saint Andrew Holborn’s worshippers set the stage for a restoration that goes past surface-level enhancements.’

The design aimed toward balancing the tightrope between providing areas for contemplation and group, all within the context of a serene, intimate and sacred area. The redesign ensured all areas are totally accessible too.

Among the many new additions is the introduction of a baptistery chapel on the church’s west finish. Making use of a spring and a wealth of Roman artefacts found in a crypt below the location, Kang created a bespoke area for blessings and baptisms.

‘The brand new baptistery incorporates a stone setting for the font with a paving sample impressed by Wren’s mathematical proofs for hyperboloid geometry. An octagonal step positions the font because the centrepiece, whereas smaller stone plinths on the chapel’s perimeter create secondary focus factors for prayer,’ the architect writes.

He continues: ‘This serene area is open to the skin, welcoming members of the area people who search respite from the stresses of on a regular basis life and ponder the longer arc of time captured on this sacred place.’

Elsewhere, sculptural brass screens, and decorative timber panelling and metalwork supply strategic up to date moments all through. A key driver for the design answer was to keep away from pastiche and make sure the previous and new are clearly articulated and distinctive, the architect stresses.

In the meantime, within the central nave, a brand new digital lighting system permits the creation of numerous atmospheres to suit completely different ceremonies and makes use of. A bespoke strategy resembling this in different areas of the challenge permits flexibility and flexibility of the area to evolving wants – making certain the church can serve its parish and group for years to come back.

daewha.com