Upper Palatinate at Symposium on Church Building Futures
From November 21 to 22, 2024, the Bavarian State Association for Local Heritage Preservation hosted the symposium titled “What is to Become of Our Church Buildings?” at the iconic Vierzehnheiligen in Bavaria. The event focused on the future of church buildings that have fallen out of regular use, a question that resonates across Europe as many communities grapple with how to preserve these significant structures while adapting them for new purposes.
The symposium examined the fate of churches that are no longer central to village life, as congregations shrink and parishes consolidate. These places, once hubs of spiritual and social life, now face potential abandonment or repurposing. Many of these churches are protected as cultural heritage, and their transformation raises questions about their future function and societal role. Can these sacred spaces be reimagined for new uses while retaining their historical and architectural significance? What is acceptable, and how can communities find meaningful alternatives that respect both the building’s heritage and the changing needs of society?
Dr. Tobias Appl, the district heritage preservation officer from the Upper Palatinate, highlighted the growing importance of these issues in rural areas. “When we were invited to join the RELIHE project two years ago, it was not clear how soon this issue would surface here," Appl noted. "But now, the question of how to manage unused church buildings is a pressing matter, even in our region.” The Upper Palatinate’s participation in RELIHE underscores the urgency of finding sustainable and respectful solutions for these buildings, which continue to hold cultural and architectural value, even when they no longer serve their original function.
The conference featured a variety of speakers, including architects, historians, and preservationists, who shared successful case studies of church repurposing. Architect Rainer Wilhelm presented his work transforming the former Protestant Luke Church in Kelheim into vacation apartments. The church, designed by renowned architect Olaf Andreas Gulbransson, had been left empty for five years and was at risk of deteriorating. Thanks to Wilhelm’s intervention, the church was saved from ruin and repurposed in a way that respected its architectural significance.
Another notable project was the transformation of the monastery church at the Maristen Monastery in Furth near Landshut into a civic hall. Architect Björn Rohde discussed the challenges and rewards of adapting religious buildings for secular uses, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between preservation and innovation.
The symposium also explored the theological and philosophical aspects of church repurposing. Dr. Maximilian Gigl from the Eugen-Biser Foundation in Munich reflected on how the concept of "church" is intertwined with both community and physical structure. He emphasized that the role of churches in society has always been fluid, shifting with the needs and values of each era.
This discussion was particularly relevant to the Upper Palatinate’s involvement in RELIHE, which seeks to explore how unused churches can be creatively repurposed while maintaining their cultural and historical integrity. The project encourages the development of alternative uses for these buildings, which might include cultural spaces, community centers, or even private residences, as long as the repurposing respects the architectural heritage of these sacred spaces.
The event concluded with a call for more research, dialogue, and collaboration among architects, historians, and local communities. As Dr. Zahner from Regensburg noted, "The question of what to do with unused churches is not just about space—it’s about memory, identity, and the future of our communities."
The symposium also highlighted the importance of initiatives like RELIHE in addressing these challenges on a broader scale. By bringing together experts and local stakeholders, the project provides a platform for sharing knowledge and developing solutions that respect both the cultural and societal values tied to religious heritage.
Looking forward, the RELIHE project will continue to explore meaningful, innovative uses for religious heritage in rural areas, ensuring that these buildings remain relevant and respected in an ever-changing world. As Christian Brückner of Brückner & Brückner Architects stated, "We need spaces for the soul—places that foster reflection and connection, whether they are used for religious or secular purposes."
In conclusion, the symposium and the ongoing work of the RELIHE project reflect a growing awareness of the need to preserve and repurpose religious heritage in a way that balances tradition with modern needs. The Upper Palatinate’s participation in this international dialogue is a crucial step toward finding sustainable solutions for the future of church buildings in rural areas.