“Can you believe this church won an architecture award?” someone asks. Here at Eipeldauer Straße 49 in Vienna’s 22nd district stands the Neuapostolische Kirche Gemeinde Wien-Donaustadt. It is more than just a place of worship. It is a testament to modern architecture.
Let’s dive into the story of this unique church. The New Apostolic Church of Austria commissioned this building. It was completed in 2021. Veit Aschenbrenner Architekten designed it. Their innovative design earned the prestigious “gebaut 2022” architecture prize from the City of Vienna.
The team behind this architectural marvel included Oliver Aschenbrenner. Susanne Veit-Aschenbrenner also contributed. Tobias Schedel and Rajna Avramova were also involved. Heinz Hausmann served as the project’s supervisor. Hollinsky & Partner handled the structural engineering. TB-Novak managed the building physics. Markus Stolz GmbH took care of the building services. Franz Sallfert was responsible for the electrical engineering. Hertha Hurnaus captured the church’s beauty in photographs.
But there is more to this story. Before this modern structure, a church stood here since 1984. Baumeister Walter Stransky designed that original building.
The New Apostolic Church in Vienna-Donaustadt replaced an existing church. It was in Vienna-Penzing. The old church was too large and needed restoration. The new building includes a multi-purpose hall and teaching rooms. There is also a café. The aim was to better serve the present-day community. A meeting room with seating for 160 people was sufficient.
The architects drew inspiration from a Bible verse. It is Matthew 16 verses 18-19. “Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church.” This verse became the leitmotif for the church’s design. The church stands solid as a rock.
The church presents itself as a monolithic volume. It is made of grey lightweight concrete. The eastern edge projects 13 meters into the sky. This design choice replaces traditional church towers. It proclaims its role as a special building. It also places a symbol in urban design terms.
Inside, light plays a crucial role. Inclined glazing runs along one side. The altar wall with a plain cross faces east. Sunlight bathes the space creating a mystical ambiance. This is especially noticeable during services. Services take place on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. In the evening, the church glows like a lantern.
The tall introverted space widens slightly. It has a trapezoid shape towards the altar area. The concrete surfaces shimmer. Daylight warms the space.
The Neuapostolische Kirche Gemeinde Wien-Donaustadt stands as a testament to faith. It is also a celebration of architectural innovation. It is a space where community and design meet. It is a beacon of light in the Donaustadt district.