CHURCH OF OUR LADY QUEEN

Krakow, Poland

When visiting new old cities, I always like to search out modern architecture. It seems the cities with the greatest traditional work often also exhibit singular examples of modern design. This church qualifies in that regard, but it is also special in another way. It was conceived and built during Poland’s years under communism, despite that government’s extreme efforts to block the project. As development went on, it was the site of political protests, confrontations and anti-communist resistance. In 1982, a young protestor was shot and killed during a protest. The work was carried out with volunteers over nine years, in spite of the government resistance.

The exterior, with its large sloping roof and 230 foot tall mast is in the shape of a crowned cross and is a reference to Noah's Ark. The church is a good example of the late modernist style in Poland. The design pays clear homage to the Notre-Dame du Haut chapel in Ronchamp, France, designed by Le Corbusier decades earlier. Corbu’s building is a literal reference to a nun’s habit.

While doing this sketch in the suburbs of Krakow, I enjoyed the ambiance of the street markets, selling pastries, farm produce and fresh flowers. The Polish people seem to love flowers, which are delivered daily to businesses and hotels. I also noticed the population was almost completely Caucasian, and predominantly older women. At a bus stop there, I noticed about 15 people getting off the bus, all fitting this profile. No idea why. I also noticed a lot of young couples enjoying this pedestrian-friendly city.