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Showing posts from August, 2019

Studies in Concrete 4: Hallgrímskirkja - Iceland's accidental Brutal basalt columns

Reykjavík is a beguiling and vibrant city. The most northernly capital city in the world, it is a colourful place both culturally, with its beautiful Harpa concert building, art galleries and museums; and literally - as the varicoloured buildings that adorn the city show. For a country that is more well known for its harsh winters and rugged landscapes, it offers much for culture/architecture lovers and enthusiasts. One building in particular, dominates Reykjavík the most, and that is the fascinatingly bizarre Hallgrímskirkja church. Shortly before I visited Reykjavík in 2015, a friend remarked casually to me about my upcoming trip to Iceland: 'look out for the big church that looks like giant pan pipes' he said. I chuckled, of course, but it wasn't until I first explored the city myself, that I suddenly realised it wasn't that far from the truth. Overshadowing this small city, it is hard to miss the Hallgrímskirkja church. The huge concrete structure is said to...