"Reading Between the Lines" by Gijs Van Vaerenbergh redefines architectural norms, creating a transparent church that alters perceptions and explores the evolving role of religious spaces in modern society.
Set against the serene rural landscape of Looz, Belgium, this 2011 installation reimagines the local church as a transparent, ethereal structure that both disrupts and integrates with its environment. Built from 30 tons of steel and 2,000 columns, the church morphs depending on the viewer’s perspective—solid and imposing from one angle, but dissolving into a mere outline when viewed from another. This dynamic play on perception invites a deeper contemplation of space, structure, and the relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings.
The project is part of the broader "pit" initiative, which explores the potential of art in public spaces within the Borgloon-Heers region. By transforming a traditional church design into an abstract, permeable form, Gijs Van Vaerenbergh challenge conventional notions of architecture’s role and function. The transparency of the structure not only alters its physical presence but also transforms the landscape itself, as seen through the lens of the architectural lines. The viewer’s experience is inherently subjective, shifting with each step, angle, and moment of observation, thus highlighting the fluidity between the tangible and intangible aspects of architecture.
"Reading Between the Lines" transcends mere architectural design, operating as a visual and conceptual commentary on the evolving role of religious spaces in contemporary society. With many traditional churches now standing vacant, the installation raises questions about the potential for these structures' artistic repurposing. The absence of a defined function allows the work to exist purely as an experiential form, emphasizing the process of architectural creation— from design sketches to physical realization—while simultaneously inviting interpretations that bridge the gap between heritage and innovation.
Through this thoughtful integration of structure and environment, "Reading Between the Lines" stands as a multifaceted work that can be appreciated for its architectural ingenuity, artistic merit, and reflective commentary on the shifting cultural landscape. It offers an unexpected visual experience to passersby, blurring the boundaries between art, architecture, and the natural world.
