FRACTAL CHAPEL AT ORF 1

A collaboration across disciplines lies at the heart of the FRACTAL CHAPEL at the University Hospital Graz – as shown on ORF Steiermark Heute, the main program of the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation. The so-called “Space of Light” is based on research in neuroscience and environmental psychology, which has been integrated into the design principles.

The interior combines biophilic design strategies such as natural light, materials, and patterns. A spiral-shaped, perforated wall structure winds through the space, symbolizing the human life cycle while discreetly concealing functions and facilities such as the sacristy, multimedia equipment, and building technology. The cut-out panels allow natural and artificial light to filter into the space, conveying time and motion and adding expressiveness paired with serenity and silence.

The fractal patterns enveloping the chapel were developed as part of a science-design collaboration between the product design studio 13&9 Design and Prof. Richard Taylor (University of Oregon / Fractals Research). Fractals are the building blocks of many of nature’s patterns, and architect Martin Lesjak explained how fractal patterns are woven into the design – grounding the space in science and demonstrating that such visual structures can reduce stress by up to 60%.

Thank you, ORF Steiermark, for highlighting this interdisciplinary journey, which included architect Martin Lesjak, artist Manfred Erjautz, and Pastor Christian Graf, who shared insights into the creation process of the FRACTAL CHAPEL at the University Hospital Graz.

Credits: © ORF 1

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