Located approximately 500 kilometers north of the arctic circle, the 'cathedral of the northern light' by danish firm schmidt hammer lassen architects in collaboration with local firm link arkitekter has been inaugurated and opened to the public. the town of alta is known as the ideal location for the viewing of the northern lights phenomenon, which meant the church was not only to function as a sacred place of worship but should also possess a commensurate architectonic quality that marks the town as a special place. taking cues from the elegant sinuous curves of the aurora borealis, the church is composed of a poetically winding concrete sculpture epitomized into the 47-meter tall belfry tower. the titanium cladding is used to reflect and further accentuate the visual effects of the dancing glow in the dark arctic sky. the interior is characterized by exposed concrete walls and warmer touches of wood that reflect nordic architecture. vertical slit windows placed at irregular intervals offer views of the exterior like slices that span from ground to sky, and also let in a certain quality of light in the interior. the program contains the main church room with room for up to 350 people, classrooms, exhibition areas, a parochial area, and administration offices.