Oskar Putz :
Regional Home For the Elderly in Waidhofen an der Ybbs

For me, the concept of spatial design excludes illustrative depiction, just as it does painting in the sense of decorative scene-setting. The content of the work of design is the production of a spatial atmosphere which furthers the possibility of contemplation. That is essentially the demand which a modern cultic space makes upon a designer. This approach excludes a 'designed' environment just as it does a decorated community space. The space, which is designed using a single colour almost exclusively, should create the extraordinary atmosphere of a sacred space through the psychological and symbolic effect of the overall colour scheme. The dark cobalt blue, optically dissolving the spatial dimensions, embraces the whole space. A wall was set up in front of the entrance in order not to interrupt the hermetic nature of the whole. The wall behind the altar is gilded, to stand for transcendence, like the gold of the icons. The grey fitted carpet (ash – the colour of transience) has a restful effect and absorbs sound. Above is a luminous grid ceiling, which can be dimmed. Above the altar – a simple sight – subdued daylight streams in through an opening in the ceiling. Behind the altar hangs a plain cross, freely suspended. The Stations of the Cross are symbolised by small gilded squares – originally intended as Roman numerals or lights – which have been set into the wall. The room is intended to create a sense of the atmosphere of the catacombs, helped by its special position beneath the earth.
(Oskar Putz)