Altar island in the Linz Marian temple

The Marian Cathedral is located in the midst of a densely built urban center. Nearby the cathedral, daily paths lead through which the transept is connected to the street. The newly designed intersection recontextualizes the cathedral within the urban environment and intertwines it with public space. The height transition becomes a liturgical center while still remaining part of the "network of urban paths." The main idea of the altar island is the gathering of believers around a laid table. Its placement in the center of the crossing of the naves gathers the faithful from three sides in close proximity to liturgical events around a slender rectangle. The liturgical space rises to the surrounding floor level during the festive mass and acts as a powerful island. In everyday life, the altar island becomes part of the church floor and allows for unobstructed passage. However, objects remain in their place and characterize the sacred space with their tension.