NewsNew Project: German Christ Church, Knightsbridge

Patalab Architects have recently lead a workshop with members of the German Evangelical Church congregation in order to develop a future vision for the German Christ Church in Knightsbridge, West London.

The church, built in 1904, has aged well, but many areas are now in need of refurbishment. The works will be used as a catalyst to extend and reorganise the church to better serve the community groups and social enterprises that it houses.

Patalab Architects have been appointed to develop the architectural design and project manage the works. To date, a detailed measured building survey and a comprehensive structural assessment has been completed.

Community Engagement

It was important for us to involve as many community members as possible, to learn from their experiences and to hear their wishes for the church’s transformation. We opted for a hands-on approach and hosted a multi-group workshop with the parish.

During the workshop we explored: the special nature of the German Christ Church in London; the diversity of users and use; sustainability; and enhancing the legibility of the building’s history. We also discussed two church conversions as reference projects to help define the ambition for the refurbishment of German Christ Church.

The results of the workshop have been digested and will now be translated into a detailed architectural brief and concept designs.

“The workshop showed the importance of the church within their community, and it was impressive to see the solidarity of this German cohort in London.”

Leah Würschinger, Patalab Architects, who co-led the workshop