AS architecture-studio encloses créteil cathedral with spherical shells

AS architecture-studio encloses créteil cathedral with spherical shells
image © yves mernier

after six years, construction has completed for AS architecture-studio‘s ambitious expansion of the créteil cathedral in paris. together with udo zembok and pascale zembok– who designed the dynamic glass arch feature–the capacity of the cathedral has been doubled and the sacred space given an identity. the overall project represents a major redevelopment, giving it a new architectural lease on life from a symbolic and pastoral point of view.

the new cathedral can seat 1,003 people
image © luc boegly

the new sanctum focuses on creating a more welcoming, and bright setting while becoming a recognizable place in the city. with the addition of a 25 meter bell tower, the previous church was designed by french architect charles gustav stoskopf who’s original plan influenced the new scheme. a dialogue has been established between the two architectural styles, contrasting but similar in geometry. this is illustrated by the dome which points towards the sky referencing the original footprint of the plan. the silhouette of the entrance, on a human scale, merges with the monumental proportions of the new project, focusing on the nave of the cathedral that extends from two spherical wood-clad hulls– symbolizing two hands joined in prayer that meet above the altar.

the organ loft, located at the top of the stands can accommodate a choir for big celebrations
image © yves mernier

promoting a sense of community, the semicircular interior has influenced the organization of the seating which is now occupied by stands, allowing the capacity to be maximized. the dramatic, curving ceiling is highlighted by the inner hull molding punctuated by the repetition of spruce bows, where the inner arcs correspond to the diffraction of colored light from the stained glass.

three color constituents of light: red, green and blue, chosen to reflect the trinity
image © luc boegly

during the day, the stained glass gives off a unique effect created by the three color constituents of light: red, green and blue. reflecting the trinity, this effect is reflected onto the timber arcs making up the ceiling, highlighting an ephemeral sense. at the same time, the glass window frames glimpses of the rising cross tower. the view onto the cathedral forecourt is freed by opening the curtain of trees. the new square, built by the city on the opposite side, is an amenity for local residents, and an extension of parish life.

‘the repetition of spruce arches gives rhythm to the interior decorative style of the hulls. thintention here is not to offer an optimal structure, calculated to the finest degree, nor to display any technical prowess, but to characterize the density of a sacramental space. there are as many arches as intertwining possibilities at the top of the dome.’ – AS architecture-studio

the new cathedral takes place in a multicultural city, establishing a distinctive identity
image © yves mernier

 two spherical shells coated wood symbolize two hands joined in prayer
image © luc boegly

plan
image by as architecture studio

sectional drawing
image by as architecture studio

site plan
image by as architecture studio

project info:

contracting authority: association diocésaine de créteil
delegated project management: les chantiers du cardinal
assistant to the contracting authority: tewako
engineering: itc louis choulet
structure: t/e/s/s
acoustics: ava
lighting: 8’18’’
stained-glass window:
concept: pascale and udo zembok
artistic director: udo zembok
quantity surveyor: eco-cités
scope of work: base mop
competition: 2009
completion: 2015