Tikkurila Church

Tikkurila Church, known locally as Tikkurilan kirkko, stands as a beacon of modern architecture and spiritual solace in the bustling district of Tikkurila in Vantaa, Finland. This Lutheran church, inaugurated on January 24, 2021, is a contemporary marvel that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, offering visitors a unique experience that is both visually and spiritually uplifting.

The New Tikkurila Church

The current Tikkurila Church is built on the same site as its predecessor, a church completed in 1956. Despite the earlier church being classified as historically valuable in 2011, persistent moisture issues led to the revocation of its protected status. The new church, designed by the architectural firm OOPEAA with Anssi Lassila as the chief architect and Iida Hedberg as the project architect, is a testament to modern design and functionality.

Architectural Brilliance

The architecture of Tikkurila Church is a striking departure from traditional ecclesiastical designs. The most prominent feature is the sharply angled section that rises 20 meters, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The church’s walls and floors are constructed from concrete, providing a stark yet elegant contrast to the wooden ceiling made from spruce slats, which ascend along the pointed space to the peak. This interplay of materials creates a serene and contemplative atmosphere within the church.

The facade of the church is adorned with a brick and glass artwork designed by Jaana Partanen and Heikki Lamusuo. This artistic duo has also created pieces for the church hall’s interior. The brickwork, produced by the Danish brick factory Petersen, includes special hand-pressed bricks inscribed with biblical quotes that reflect themes of self-reflection, human interaction, and divine connection. A nearly two-meter-high gilded cross crowns the church’s roof, while a relief cross is embedded in the brick facade, further enhancing the church's spiritual symbolism.

Interior Design and Art

Inside the church, the glass walls of the hall feature pixel graphic images in a work titled Eternity, which depicts Christian symbols that change character with the seasons, time of day, and lighting conditions. The church textiles, designed and crafted by textile artist Helena Vaari, are central to the church's interior decor. Themes such as the profile of Christ, today’s pilgrims, and the tree of life are intricately woven into the altar cloth, which features a profile image representing the three persons of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The centerpiece of the altar cloth is a lace embroidery of intertwining tree branches, leaves, and buds, symbolizing the paths of human life and forming pilgrim routes along the tree of life.

The Church Organ and Carillon

The church's organ, built by the organ factory Veikko Virtanen Oy, features a modern facade designed by Caspar Åkerblom in collaboration with OOPEAA. This organ incorporates 20 pipes from the previous organ in Helsinge Church St. Lars, which dates back to 1895. Adding to the auditory experience is the carillon, or bell chime, consisting of 31 bells that can be played mechanically from within the church. Designed by Supavit Nummelin, the carillon includes a keyboard and pedals for both hands and feet. The largest bell, weighing 450 kg, was crafted in Vienna in 1969 and originates from the previous church, while the remaining bells were cast by the Dutch Koninklijke Eijsbouts Klokkengieterij.

Community and Functionality

Tikkurila Church is more than just a place of worship; it is a hub of community activity. In addition to the church hall, the building houses office spaces for the Vantaa Church Union and club rooms for parish activities. The church is part of a larger complex that includes student housing and shops, making it a vital part of the local community.

In a bid to find a fitting name for the new church, a naming competition was held, resulting in the name Tikkurila Church (Tikkurilan kirkko). This name was awarded the Name of the Year 2020 prize by experts in onomastics, highlighting its significance and resonance with the community.

In conclusion, Tikkurila Church is a remarkable blend of contemporary architecture, art, and spirituality. It stands as a symbol of modern faith, community engagement, and architectural innovation. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to Vantaa, a visit to Tikkurila Church promises a memorable and inspiring experience.