The structure is composed of exactly 2,000 columns of steel, representing 100 individual layers.
The project won the Belgian Building Awards in the Public Space category upon its completion.
It is technically a sculpture rather than an official religious building; no services are held inside.
The varying thickness of the steel plates creates a moiré pattern as visitors walk around the structure.
The installation was constructed to be permanent, with the steel treated to weather naturally into a rusted patina over time.
The design was created using parametric modeling software to ensure the structural loads were properly distributed without traditional support beams.
Reading between the Lines is a transparent architectural installation located in the Haspengouw region of Belgium, designed by the artist duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh. The structure is built from 100 stacked layers of steel plates, forming the silhouette of a traditional church. Due to the spacing between the steel, the church appears solid from some angles and entirely transparent from others. It is part of the Z-OUT project, which integrates contemporary art into the public landscape of the Borgloon region. The installation weighs 30 tons and relies on a concrete foundation hidden below ground level to maintain its structural integrity. It is situated in an open agricultural field, intentionally isolated from urban settings to emphasize the interaction between architecture and the surrounding horizon.
Position yourself at the corners of the structure to capture the transition from 'solid' to 'see-through' visual effects.
Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear as the path leading to the church is a dirt trail across uneven farmland.
Check local weather forecasts beforehand, as the structure provides no shelter from rain or high winds.
Bring a wide-angle lens for photography to capture the shifting perspectives of the steel layers.
Attempting to drive directly to the installation; visitors must park in designated areas in Grootloon and walk the final distance.
