To mark the centenary of the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary (Mariendom) in Linz, a modern Domcenter pavilion was created at the eastern end of the church. The project is a functional extension of the cathedral space and a symbolic bridge between Austria’s religious heritage and contemporary social needs. The Domcenter welcomes both worshippers and those not connected to the church, offering them a place to meet, relax and reflect in an environment of culture, art and history.
Domcenter – information, exhibitions and relaxation
The new 120sq m space was completed in spring 2024, just in time for the church’s jubilee. It serves as an information point, a starting point for tours, a ticket office and a reception for cultural and religious events. The exhibitions in the Domcenter and in the adjacent eastern chapel allow the spiritual, liturgical, pastoral and artistic dimensions of the cathedral to be rediscovered. Through the use of multimedia and interactive showcases, visitors can get up close to the unique architectural details, including the stained glass windows, viewing them from their original setting.
Responding to the contemporary challenges of the Church
The Domcenter is part of Mariendom’s wider restoration strategy, which responds to the current challenges of the Catholic Church. Faced with declining numbers of worshippers and the diminishing role of religious institutions in society, the Diocese of Linc has opted for modernity and openness. Rather than closing off or secularising the space, it decided to create a new, accessible entrance that resembles the foyer of a museum or concert hall. Visitors first arrive in a bright, welcoming vestibule with a café and bookshop, from where they pass through the former sacristy into the interior of the cathedral.
Domcenter architecture inspired by history
Architecturally, the Domcenter draws on the forms of lightweight tents and historic stalls. It consists of three canopies that look like they are suspended above the square in front of the cathedral. Their shape, reminiscent of inverted vaults, gives the whole structure a sense of lightness. The coating of moulded concrete allows for a slender and environmentally sustainable structure. Over time, the concrete absorbs almost all of the carbon dioxide emitted during its production.
Subtle integration into the monument
For reasons of monument protection, the new development could not be structurally connected to the walls of the cathedral. Each of the three shells is supported by a single column, and their structure rises towards the façade without touching it. The double shell of the canopies consists of an inner, load-bearing layer with a three-dimensional curvature and an outer, biaxially curved cover, referring to the Gothic arches of the side aisles.
Facade of the cathedral before and after the construction of the new building. Photo: Google Maps and Edward Beierle, Gregor Graf
Transparency, technology and functionality
The interior of the Domcenter was designed with clarity of function in mind. A central countertop leads visitors to an information desk, café and bookshop. The entire complex, including the former sacristy and the underground level, combines architectural accessibility, modern technology and multifunctionality. On level -1 there are technical facilities, toilets, cloakrooms and lockers. Lifts and stairs allow efficient movement between the three levels: the square, the Domcenter and the nave of the cathedral.
Technologies in the Domcenter
As part of the project, HAINZL Gebäudetechnik was responsible for complex electrical installations, including low-voltage switchgear, LAN cabling, emergency lighting and an energy management system. The bell control system was also renewed and new exhibition spaces were integrated.
Dialogue between modernity and neo-gothic
The team of architects and engineers faced many challenges. The most important was to create a modern form that would not disturb the historical integrity of the neo-Gothic church from 1865-1924. The combination of modernity and respect for tradition proved possible thanks to a precisely developed concept and the use of advanced construction technologies.
Design: peter haimerl.architektur
Photographs: Edward Beierle, Gregor Graf
Also read: Sacred architecture | Monument | History | Switzerland | Metamorphosis
