Blending 20th-century and contemporary needs during the reconstruction of a church in Bratislava

After more than seventy years, in 2020, the interior of the Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Snows was renovated in Bratislava. The conversion was carried out according to the plans of architects Tomáš Bujna and Matúš Gibala.

Beyond the modern and bright look, the main intent was to follow the 1943 plans of the original trio of architects, Ferdinand Fuchs, Ignác Vécsei and Desider Quastler, who lost their lives in a concentration camp—eventually, architect František Florians was entrusted with the completion of the building in the late 1940s.

The reconstruction included, among other things, the design of new furniture, a solution for heating the benches, insulation against soil moisture, the creation of restrooms, and the construction of a new lighting, sound system and confessional.

The inspiration was drawn from the original interior design elements: the starting point was the square cassettes on the stucco and the furniture on the one hand, and the remaining metal elements on the other. As a result, a metal lattice decorated with the inscription “Veni Sancte Spiritus” separating the chapel and the main nave was also preserved. In the minimalist space, only traditional materials were used—in addition to metal, stone, wood and glass are also emphasized.

Photos: Alan Hyža

Tomáš Bujna | Web | Instagram
Matúš Gibala | Facebook

Source: Archinfo

• architecture
• design
• modern
• slovakia
• east
• minimalism
• renovation
• restoration