Gereja Ayam
The Chicken Church is commonly used for worship by local residents, but it has also become a tourist spot. |
Gereja Ayam is a mimetic building that is also known by its English nickname, Chicken Church. It is located in an area of Magelang, in Central Java, Indonesia.
The structure was intended to be fashioned in the shape of a dove. Its unusual appearance was based on an inspiration that appeared in the dream of its architect, Daniel Alamsjah.
Based on divine messages instructing him to build a house of prayer, Alamsjah began work on the project in the 1990s, despite resistance from the local community. Intended for all faiths, the church became an ongoing project for Alamsjah. For a decade, he worked on the project until funding ran out in 2000. At that point, the project was left in its incomplete state.
It has since been left to decay in the jungle, but in its wilder state, it has also become a tourist attraction. Decorated by passing artists with ceiling murals and jewelled tiles, the Chicken Church has served as an informal religious site, a rehabilitation centre, a film backdrop and a place for local cultural connection. It also has excellent views from the bird’s head and snacks available from a cafe in the bird’s rear end.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Heat pump announcements, what homeowners need to know
An 'ultimate guide to heat pumps' from a heating company.
Construction contract awards reach £7.1bn in February
Their highest level in seven months.
The journey to sustainability in heritage
Research is the key to better understanding.
Heritage approaches to adaptation, mitigation and loss.
Bridging the gap between policy, finance and installation.
Development on brownfield land
Definition, background, policy and the latest consultation.
With the Design Framework for Building Services.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, measures and the roles involved.
ECA joins HSE campaign to support mental health
Working Minds’ five simple steps based on risk assessment.
Mental health in the construction industry
Mental health issues in brief with related articles.
Transitional arrangements, Building Control and the BSR.
For pre-October buildings with substantial progress by April.
How to write an inspection and test plan
ITPs for quality control and assurance particular elements.
Why quality counts in domestic ventilation systems
From products, to systems to the installation.
Empowering the Future with CIOB Academy
Lifelong learning, upscaling, and reskilling for the built environment.
Winners of the 2024 ASBP Awards
Project, Product and Initiative according to the 6 pillars.