Järvenpää Church, Brutalist church in Keskus, Järvenpää, Finland.
Järvenpää Church is a concrete religious building in the center of town marked by bold geometric forms. The massive structure shapes the skyline and is quickly recognized from outside by its visible raw materials and design.
The building opened in 1968 following designs by architect Erkki Elomaa and marks a turning point in Finnish architecture. It emerged during a time when Finland was exploring its modern architectural directions and embracing concrete as a material for the future.
The building is deeply rooted in the community and represents a time when Finnish architects discovered concrete as an artistic material. The raw concrete surfaces and angular cut windows have shaped the town's appearance to this day.
The interior can be visited at certain times to experience the mix of concrete construction and wooden furnishings. When visiting, note that the modern design feels very open and the acoustics in the space are distinctive.
Four Austrian bells hang in the bell tower, playing specially composed pieces by Finnish composer Joonas Kokkonen. These melodies are part of the sound visitors hear when approaching the building.
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