Saint Francis Chapel: A Testament to Simplicity and Openness

Rafael Hintersteiner's Award-Winning Design Redefines Chapel Architecture

Rafael Hintersteiner's Saint Francis Chapel is a radical departure from traditional chapel design. The chapel, a small cubic room, invites visitors to pause for a moment of remembrance. Rather than conveying the relationship with nature associated with Saint Francis, the design focuses on simplicity and openness, the reduction to elementariness, and the restraint of symbolism. The result is a room of meditation that is open to everyone, a space that transcends the everyday and invites contemplation.

The chapel's unique properties lie in its innovative design. The open ceiling guides the viewer's gaze beyond the everyday, while small candle niches link to traditional mysticism in this sparse room. The chapel is not just a place of worship, but a room of possibilities, a testament to Hintersteiner's innovative approach to design.

Constructed entirely from structured black concrete, the chapel's design is both robust and minimalist. The technical specifications reveal a 4/2.5/4 m structure, with both walls and floor made of concrete. Inside, candle niches of varying heights add a touch of traditional mysticism to the otherwise sparse room.

The Saint Francis Chapel is more than just a place of worship. It is a space that fosters dialogue between different cultures, as evidenced by its restraint of symbolism. The chapel stands in connection with the local cemetery, offering people the opportunity to light candles for their deceased loved ones. It also serves as a public space for various ceremonies throughout the year, further integrating it into the local community.

The project, which began in June 2009 and was completed in August 2011, is situated in the north of Upper Austria. It was promoted by several institutions, including the Government of Upper Austria and the University of Fine Arts Linz. The chapel's construction was also supported by donations from the local community, demonstrating the significant impact of this unique design.

In recognition of its innovative design and impact, the Saint Francis Chapel was awarded the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2012. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.