A new cathedral for Strasbourg by Axis Mundi?

Actuarchi is delighted to unveil the American practice Axis Mundi's proposal for the new cathedral in Strasbourg. The practice, which made a name for itself with its raw, blunt proposal for the Whitney Museum, was invited to submit a design for the city. The scheme is based on a sunken Latin cross and is made up of a series of arches. The east façade is carved with an image of a Gothic cathedral gazing at the sunrise, which will gradually disappear over the course of the day.

The entrance is discreetly placed beneath the east façade, and is reached by a long descent. The plan follows that of a Gothic church. It is hidden from the outside by the series of concrete arches that form the impressive interior volume. These arches make room for generous glazed openings. The floor is entirely clad in limestone.

The choir is formed by a cluster of hexagonal bronze posts of varying sizes, inspired by the north of Ireland and rising towards Christ. The interior furnishings are made of oak, and decoration has been pared back to the minimum in order to give the building a pure character.

This is a speculative project; it will not be built.

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