Are decisions regarding the place made jointly and transparently?

Completed in 1965, the ensemble of church, free-standing bell tower, chapel, parish hall and rectory was the result of an architectural competition. Although experts criticised the cube-shaped church at the time, the parish stood behind the design. Between 1994 and 1996, at a cost of about 4 million Swiss francs, the parish complex was refurbished in its entirety, some parts were remodelled and the rooms under the church were put to use. In 2001 the organ underwent a general overhaul. Today, the church of St. Pius X is listed as a building of national importance.

Does the place serve its purpose?

The church sits majestically on a podium that levels out the terrain, which gently slopes down to the lake. The walls of the windowless church are made up of a total of 888 marble slabs hung between steel columns. At the level of the roof trusses and at the doors, the slabs are slightly thinner, making them appear lighter. Daylight penetrates through the translucent stone, illuminating the interior of the church in a spectrum of colours ranging from golden yellow to brown-orange, depending on the weather. The church combines sober abstraction with sensual objectivity, offering its congregation a unique and idiosyncratic space for worship and prayer.

Does the place foster sustainable mobility?

The sanctuary is located just above the road that connects Lucerne, Meggen and Küssnacht. A bus stop near the church makes it easy for parishioners to get here by public transport. From the Meggen railway station it is a short quarter of an hour walk along level roads.

Are the construction materials and methods durable, require little maintenance, and maintain or even enhance the place’s value?

The supporting structure of the church and tower is made of steel. The corner sections of the tower are cross-braced with steel diagonals and the upper sections are infilled with panels and wooden slats. The steel skeleton of the church is made of H-sections and stabilised with marble slabs. At the rear of the interior of the church there is a concrete gallery from which the organ rises. All the materials used are solid, durable and have been in place since day one.

Does the place foster community?

Ever since the plans were drawn up in the 1960s, the Catholic congregation has strongly identified with its house of worship and the parish complex as a whole. Services are held in St. Pius Church three times a week. Activities for children, teenagers and adults take place inside and outside the parish centre, further fostering a sense of community. The parish also offers guided tours for those interested in architecture. It is therefore open to people who are not part of the Catholic community.

Was the place thoroughly analysed prior to the intervention?

Before the Second World War, the parish church of Meggen was no longer fit for its purpose. A new building was considered, but the idea was abandoned due to the war. In the 1950s, the parish priest revived the project for a new building. In 1960, the parish organised a competition in which 27 architectural studios took part. The winning project was submitted by the Solothurn architect Franz Füeg.

Is the place notable for its distinctiveness?

The consistency with which Franz Füeg has defined construction and material as a design element of this Catholic church is compelling and unique. Rather than adorning the space with paintings, statues or colourful stained glass windows, he relies entirely on the impact of the translucent marble façade.

Do people perceive the place as beautiful?

St. Pius Church enjoys cult status far beyond Switzerland’s borders. It combines rational articulation and atmospheric effect into a compelling whole. The spatial effect, the light and the materials give the windowless sacred building a touching and reverent atmosphere appropriate to its purpose.