Church of St. Francis

The building aims to achieve a balance between openness and impermeable isolation. The congregation needs strong ties through which people can develop their inner selves. Moreover, the spaces must be open and inviting. The flowing sequence of rooms leads from the square in front of the church, public atrium, and transparent entrance hall into the interior of the church. Once you step inside, you are both inside and outside at the same time – cleverly placed openings allow the visitor to maintain contact with the surroundings. The atrium with trees and shrubs is slightly elevated, thus maintaining a distance from everyday life; the water surface reflects flashes of morning light projected through the ceiling into the main space of the church – a reminiscence of the fact that previously churches were oriented with the altar facing east. Thus, we avoided an exclusively one-sided orientation. Emphasized horizontal openings at floor level and at eye level create the impression of floating spaces, which inspired Keith Sonnier to design his light installation. These fleeting experiences have become characteristic of both communal daytime spaces and outdoor areas, returning the traditional cross to its rightful place, whose exclusive location is in the altar space.

In 2001, St. Francis Church received the Bauherrenpreis award. From the remarks of the jury chairman Prof. Friedrich Achleitner, I quote: “The exceptional quality of this church lies in the urbanistic and spatial embodiment of the Franciscan spirit, which means joy in encounters, openness, and vibrancy within. The spatial zones are contemplative focal points interconnected by open passages, views, and outlooks. This architectural manifesto was not merely a risky venture for the builder but also required his great trust in the communicative effect of architecture. The church conveys a message that is often missing today in your sector (i.e., architecture).”

This article was created in collaboration with GA Brno, where an exhibition about the work of Riepl Riepl Architekten titled Room to move is currently taking place.