The FRACTAL CHAPEL at Graz's state hospital, hosted by the Protestant Church, serves patients, medical staff and visitors as a place of prayer and retreat. The 35-square-metre chapel, with its low entrance area that opens onto an eight-metre-high room, follows a basic religious scenography. The aim is to create a calming, warm and relaxing atmosphere for retreat, rest and recuperation in a demanding hospital environment.
The interior concept by INNOCAD architecture combines several biophilic design strategies – natural light, materials and fractal patterns. Along the walls, a perforated paneling unfolds in a spiraling movement – an allegory of the human life cycle. At the same time, it conceals functions and facilities such as the sacristy, multimedia equipment and building services. To further emphasise the interplay of spiral, light and fractal patterns, the material palette is kept minimal, with only a wooden ceiling, flooring, pews and an altar added, which contribute to the warm tonality with their earthy materiality.
The fractal pattern enveloping the chapel was developed in transdisciplinary collaboration with the product design studio 13&9 Design and Prof. Richard Taylor (University of Oregon / Fractals Research). Fractals are the building blocks of many patterns in nature and have been scientifically shown to reduce stress, improve well-being and accelerate healing. Prof. Richard Taylor's studies examine the positive psychological, physiological and neurological response of humans to fractal patterns. The visual complexity created by their harmonious repetition triggers a natural relaxation effect, with people's stress levels falling by 60 per cent when looking at fractals.
The lighting concept creates a harmonious atmosphere depending on the time of day and the function (prayer, mass, cleaning etc.) and emphasises the effect of the fractals by means of a play of light and shadow. The fractal patterns are projected onto the walls and floor, with varying positions and brightness. Specially developed spotlights mounted on vertical power rails behind the wall panels create a natural focus and blur effect. The lighting is controlled by a DALI-based system. The result is a place where the hustle and bustle of everyday clinical life meets the gentle tranquillity of nature.
The altar in the centre of the room was created by artist Manfred Erjautz from the upturned rootstock of a walnut tree. It serves as a unique centrepiece and is reminiscent of the roots of life, which are deeply anchored in the invisible earth of the room. Surrounded by fractal surfaces and illuminated by the TULA suspended luminaire, this altar invites you to enjoy moments of silence and contemplation.
Martin Lesjak, CEO and founder INNOCAD architecture
Light is our favourite material as without it, no materiality can be perceived at all. It facilitates a room’s many different facets. Since architecture can only be experienced through the effect of light, it makes it three-dimensional, structures it, and imbues it with atmosphere.
Artist: Manfred Erjautz
