SAINT BIRGITTA MONASTERY CHURCH

SAINT BIRGITTA MONASTERY CHURCH, MARIBO, DENMARK

The monastery church is part of the Birgittine Order's monastery by Maribo Søndersø. The Birgittine sisters came to Denmark from Sweden in 1995, initially settling in Næstved before establishing their own monastery in 2006 in a converted orphanage near Maribo.

The church features a centrally placed altar (the sanctuary), with the congregation seated in one part of the hall and the sisters’ pews in the other.

Architect Finn Zeuthen was tasked with creating a lighting solution that respected the room's architectural expression, functionality, and spiritual dimension. The altar, as the natural focal point, was highlighted by a ring chandelier. Complementary lighting was provided by longitudinal rod fixtures positioned above the pews on each side.

The architect selected Okholm Lighting’s SCAN fixtures for this purpose. These simple and minimalist fixtures feature a flat top reflector that redirects upward light downward. The light source is exposed, becoming an integral part of the fixture’s design. All fixtures were crafted in brass, harmonizing beautifully and unobtrusively with the room's other materials.

Architect Finn Zeuthen himself described the final result: “It may sound strange, but the outcome far exceeded my expectations.”