Kornfeldkirche

In the serene Swiss municipality of Riehen, nestled in the canton of Basel-Stadt, stands an architectural marvel that gracefully blends modernity with historical reverence—the Kornfeldkirche. This evangelical-reformed church, conceived and brought to life by the renowned architect Werner Max Moser with the assistance of André M. Studer, is a testament to mid-20th-century Swiss architectural ingenuity. The plans for this striking structure were meticulously crafted starting in December 1958 and underwent several revisions before construction commenced on April 4, 1962. The Kornfeldkirche was finally inaugurated on September 13, 1964, with the total construction cost, including the bells, tower clock, and organ, amounting to approximately 2,400,000 Swiss Francs.

The Architecture of Kornfeldkirche

One of the most captivating features of the Kornfeldkirche is its slender, 36-meter-high bell tower, constructed from exposed concrete on a square base. This tower stands freely on a plaza near the main entrance of the church, almost at the intersection of Vierjuchartenweg and Kornfeldstrasse. The upper third of the tower is adorned with a crown-like structure made of vertical, parallel concrete slats that jut out slightly and are beveled at the top, giving it a unique and distinctive appearance. These vertical elements, combined with a vertical slit running the entire height of the tower, create a deliberate resemblance to a giant stalk of grain, complete with an ear of corn.

Behind the tower, the main church building and auxiliary structures, including the parsonage, community hall, classrooms, and other rooms, are situated on a slightly elevated level accessible by a few steps. These buildings are constructed in a low, staggered manner and are grouped into three interconnected sections, designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding residential area. The entire complex is covered by an asymmetrical, gently sloping roof in a tent-like style, with the roof slope visually extended by several concrete struts that reach down to the ground, resembling thick tension cords. The gable facades facing the entrance and the opposite side are glazed at the top, with vertical wooden slats in front. The church's interior can accommodate around 350 people, and behind the buildings lies a small garden area.

Symbolism and Design Language

The design of the Kornfeldkirche is rich with symbolism, particularly the ear-of-corn motif seen in the bell tower, a concrete ear-of-corn relief by Basel sculptor Johannes Burla near the church entrance, and a concrete planter integrated into the access steps with some grain. These elements pay homage to the former agricultural character of this part of Riehen and the cornfield that once occupied the site of the church. In Christian symbolism, ears of corn represent bread, the body of Christ, in the Eucharist. Biblical references also highlight the deeper meaning of the grain symbol, such as He will separate the chaff from the wheat and gather the wheat into his barn; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire, and A grain of wheat that is not sown into the ground cannot bear fruit but remains a single grain. In the earth, however, it germinates and brings forth new fruit, though it dies in the process.

The overall design and architecture of the Kornfeldkirche aim to convey the image of a church as a place of community and encounter. According to Moser, the Kornfeldkirche is not a traditional sacred building but rather a living room of the faithful. Therefore, the complex is designed so that the church is not centrally located, but the three interconnected building sections—the church on the left, the parsonage and community hall on the right, and a connecting building in the center, with the bell tower in the foreground—are arranged around the forecourt. This layout may have been inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple in Oak Park, near Chicago.

The Bells and Organ

The Kornfeldkirche's bell ensemble consists of three bells with the strike tones f', as', and b', all cast in 1964 by the internationally renowned French bell foundry Paccard in Annecy. These bells are the only ones from this foundry in German-speaking Switzerland. The largely enclosed concrete tower provides excellent acoustics for the bells.

The church's organ, crafted in 1964 by the Swiss organ builder Th. Kuhn AG in Männedorf, was inaugurated on November 29, 1964. In 1982, a swell box was added to the positive division of the organ, with the 4' principal register located outside the swell box. The organ's key action is mechanical, while the stop action is electro-pneumatic, and the wind chest is designed as a slider chest.

Community and Significance

The Kornfeldkirche is located in the Kornfeld residential area and serves as the church for the Kornfeld parish district, which has its own pastor and working groups. This district is part of the larger Riehen-Bettingen parish, which encompasses the areas of the two Basel rural municipalities of Riehen and Bettingen.

In conclusion, the Kornfeldkirche is not just a place of worship but a symbol of community, history, and architectural brilliance. Its unique design, rich symbolism, and thoughtful integration into the surrounding environment make it a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring the cultural and historical tapestry of Riehen and the greater Basel-Stadt region.