Open Chapel
Hillershausen, Germany
The “Open Chapel” stands as a powerful symbol of collaboration and serves as a perspective changer, inspired by the “Open Mind Places”. Created through
a bottom-up process by local residents, this building embodies a collective effort to establish a sanctuary for shared experiences and communal spirit. Perched
on a hill, twelve 6-meter-tall sandstone pillars form an open space with an interior shaped like two protective hands, providing a welcoming area for reflection -
both individually and collectively, with others and with nature. Communicative seats encourage face-to-face interaction, fostering dialogue and contemplation. The
roof with hanging plants blurs the boundaries between architecture and nature, while the wood chip-covered floor symbolizes a seamless transition from the interior to the surrounding landscape.
