Kamppi Chapel of Silence

We welcome the idea of having spaces for retreat in the city. A chapel of silence is now under construction on the busy Narinkka square to offer a space of retreat and encounter.

Once complete, the Kamppi chapel will not be intended for congregational services or ceremonies. The sense of calm will be supported by having small-scale gatherings. Staff members of the Helsinki city congregations and social services will be available for conversation. The chapel will be open daily from early morning until late in the evening.

Expected to be completed in the spring of 2012, the chapel is designed by K2S Architects with architect Mikko Summanen as the main designer. The chapel is a fine example of innovative timber architecture, and the design has already been recognised: it was awarded with the Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award 2010.

The most prominent space of the building is a timber constructed 11.5 metres high sacral space. It creates a calm space, in which the lively surroundings seem distant: the defining elements include indirect light flowing down from above and the warm timber surfaces on the walls and fittings. The total area of the chapel building is 270 square metres housing the sacral space, an information lounge and spaces for one-to-one discussion.

Originally, the idea of an urban chapel came from the City of Helsinki. The client is the parish union of Helsinki. The parish unions of Espoo and Vantaa have participated in planning the future activities in the chapel.

More information:

Tarja Jalli
Manager of Kamppi Chapel
Tel. +358 400 427 472
tarja.jalli@evl.fi