St. Johannes Maria Vianney

The key features in the architectural concept for the St. Johannes Maria Vianney parish in Stuttgart highlight the interplay between the diverse functions of church, residence and day-care center, and its unique location on the edge of a hill above the Neckar River.

Set in its urban context, the new ensemble consists of three L-shaped buildings that are arranged around a central square. It begins with the compact structure of the church itself, which acts as a link between the existing neighborhood and the new complex. As a symbolic gesture, the ceiling-high church doors can be fully opened. An additional pair of buildings completes the ensemble: two elongated L-shaped buildings extend toward the central courtyard and, at the same time, provide views overlooking the hills.

The design underscores the idea of the complex as a distinct entity through the use of a uniform brick pattern for the facades and the interior courtyard. The material suggests quality and stability as well as making a reference to the brick-making traditions of the region. This deliberate order is only modified as needed for the function of the respective building, giving the complex a uniform character. The only building with a fundamental difference in material is the church itself. Resembling a work of marquetry, the church is inlaid under its pitched roof and perceived as a stand-alone element thanks to the distinctive wooden façade facing the square. The spatial structures symbolize and encourage social interaction both in the sanctuary and throughout the complex.