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Bruder Klaus Kapelle, 2007
Wachendorf, Germany (near Köln)
Peter Zumthor, Architect

Bruder Klaus Kapelle, 2007
Wachendorf, Germany (near Köln)
Peter Zumthor, Architect

OK, it looks like a Christmas tree. But I wanted to include it because it shows basically the 'entire' space. That, and it is a rare documentation that somebody has been alone in the chapel at least once......

Bruder Klaus Kapelle, 2007
Wachendorf, Germany (near Köln)
Peter Zumthor, Architect

It is no coincidence that the pool of water that formed on the floor has the same shape (if not size--I didn't really check) as the oculus above.

The floor is of cast lead.

Really difficult to get a shot of it without getting my own reflection in there....here, it only worked partially.

Bruder Klaus Kapelle, 2007
Wachendorf, Germany (near Köln)
Peter Zumthor, Architect

Viewing this image only really works of you see it on a black or grey background. Here, on a white background, the contrast is just too much to see anything around the edge.

It was difficult to chose which one of, ahem, several, of these 'looking-up-at-the-oculus' images to post, as a) the web is flooded with them and it is difficult to try to show any kind different approach and b) even without having found a new approach, it is tough to find the one that really matches the atmosphere that was there.

At any rate, it is said that Bruder Klaus had a 'remarkable' memory and even remembered being in the womb as well as his birth, and that this memory is 'translated' here. Perhaps.

I also like to think that Mr. Zumthor has visited St. Johannes der Täufer in Neu-Ulm by Dominikus Böhm at some point and that it, too, left a lasting impression on him.

Bruder Klaus Kapelle, 2007
Wachendorf, Germany (near Köln)
Peter Zumthor, Architect

Actually, my wife took this gem, as I was still outside inspecting the monolith from a distance. The kids were very excited to show me the interior, which is always a good sign that somebody did something right.