This See-Through Chapel in Belgium Doubles As An Optical Illusion

The mind boggling, yet beautiful, structure located in Borgloon, Belgium is Part modern art project, part traditional chapel.

see through chapel belgium borgloon 1 1 — Image credit: 準建築人手札網站 Forgemind ArchiMedia

When viewed from inside (or from the side at a distance), the art church designed by Gijs Van Vaerenbergh gives the impression that the building has insubstantial walls. But if you look up, or down from a drone for that matter, it appears to be a sturdy construction.

In 2011, the architectural duo collaborated with the Z33 art museum to build the chapel, taking inspiration from the traditional Limburg chapel in Belgium. The single-steepled place of worship is built on a concrete foundation, and its semi-transparent walls are created by stacking 100 layers of steel forms, separated from each other by over 2,000 squat steel columns.

see through chapel belgium borgloon 2 — Image credit: 準建築人手札網站 Forgemind ArchiMedia

The unusual metal construction gives the impression of a see-through structure when viewed directly from any side of the church. However, when seen from a higher or lower angle, the building appears solid. Despite its intricate design, the welded wonder weighs over 30 tons.

Effectively a giant optical illusion, Reading Between The Lines is not only a statement about the impermanence of architecture but also the relative durability of church institutions, providing a serene and contemplative space where visitors can feel both disconnected from and connected to the world outside.