Pic 1.

The Exterior of the Church (Source: Gregory, 2012)

St. Christopher Church

Gereja Katolik St. Kristoforus – Grogol, Jakarta
Today, the Church of Christopher is surrounded by new buildings
of middle to upper height, making this church not as prominent
Catholic Church of St. Christopher is one of Indonesia's
as it was 50 years ago when it was built. The vacant land around
architectural works during the New Order era. The building was
the church building has been built for schools and other
designed by Liem Bianpoen. Designed and built since 1967 and
supporting buildings. The large vacant land was intended so that
inaugurated in 1970.
people could freely see the splendor of Christopher Church.

Hana Ardina Putri Pakiding 08111740000011 – Contemporary Architecture, New Order Era |1
The Roof

St. Christopher Church has a unique form. When viewed from the
picture, the roof looks like it has three levels or is like an animal
shell that has three segments.

To fulfill its function as a church, the roof was designed as a wide

span roof for avoiding the structural column in the middle of the ➢ Pic 2. Church Building (Source: UPH, 2020)
room. The wide span shape chosen is a triangular shape which is
➢ Pic 3. Two Craftmanships Arranged Roof Nets
considered the strongest among other shapes. (SourceL UPH, 2020)

The main roof structure is a concrete beam which is also

triangular, the larger the middle area. This triangular beam
pattern is what will make the roof look like a tiered or layered
shape. The three sections of the triangular beam are connected
to the other beams, connect the upper end of the beam to the
lower end of the next beam.

This building concerned the tropical climate. In this roof beam,

there is also a kind of lattice designed for natural air ventilation.
But in its development, this vent was closed, and ventilation is
replaced with air conditioning and exhaust. Then, for the roof
covering, using a structure that is also unique. Made of aluminum
nets so that the roof cover is more elastic.

Pic 4. The Difference of the Roof between the

Original Building and Current Building (Source:
UPH, 2020 and Gregory, 2020)

Hana Ardina Putri Pakiding 08111740000011 – Contemporary Architecture, New Order Era |2
The Room

In a Catholic Church, there is a preparatory room called the
sacristy. Bianpoen put this room in the front area, near the
entrance of the people. This is very different from the Catholic
Church in general which places the sacristy behind the altar.
However, over time the room was moved to the back of the altar.
In addition to the relocation, this church has also expanded by
increasing the volume of worship rooms on the left and right
sides. Also from the interior, the sacred place, the altar, has the
highest space of roof.

Pic 6. Interior of Christopher Church (Source: Gregory, 2020) Pic 5. Architectural Drawing of Christopher Church (Source: UPH, 2020)

References
Nugroho, R. S. (2020, September 9). Bianpoen, Kota, dan Pertanyaan-Pertanyaan yang Belum Terjawab. Retrieved from Arsitektur
Indonesia: http://www.arsitekturindonesia.org/museum/bianpoen,-kota,-dan-pertanyaan-pertanyaan-yang-belum-terjawab
Universitas Pelita Harapan. (2020, December 12). Sang Arsitek dan Arsitektur yang Melayani. Jakarta. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGrl5e0ry6w&t=11535s

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