Markuskyrkan

Sigurd Lewerentz' most noted building came into existence after winning an invited competition in 1956. Two buildings are located on either side of a courtyard – on one side, the church itself, which is linked to the parih premises and assembly hall; and on the other, the registrar's offices with a belfry tower and archives. Dark brick from Helsingborg are freely laid in running bond – the vertical joints have varying widths, which meant that no brick needed to be cut. Lewerentz referred to Persian architecture as a source of inspiration. The church in Björkhagen demonstrates how it is possible to be both visionary and well-rooted. In 1960, Lewerentz was already regarded as a phenomenon in Swedish architecture. His integrity and sure-handed sense of form lead to solutions that were several decades before their time. The church was awarded the first Kasper Salin Prize in 1962.