Church of St Francis

Abstract

Surrounded to the north and west by a large residential estate totalling some 6000 flats, bounded to the south and east by intersecting roads, the church in Resthof/Steyr stands on a plot of land measuring 28.2 by 29.8 metres. The concrete monolithic construction of almost chthonic solidity has a light colour that shimmers grey/green/brown. The corner that faces the road junction is marked by a rectangular tower-like glass protrusion. Instead of bells it contains a coloured, illuminated sculptural installation by Keith Sonnier. Twelve loops of intertwined neon tubing suggest the contours of a fish. This early sign, originally a secret means of recognition among Christians, is so powerful at night that it has almost become a sign for the entire neighbourhood.