Harmoniously blending science, art and nature in its design is a chapel in Austria that recently received global recognition.
The Fractal Chapel earned the coveted title of World Interior of the Year at the 2025 World Architecture Festival (WAF) – held Nov 12-14 in Miami, the United States – Interiors awards.
Designed by Innocad Architecture, the Fractal Chapel – hosted by the Protestant Church and located at a state hospital in Graz – is a tranquil haven for patients, staff and visitors.
Its design is deeply rooted in contemporary neuroscience and environmental psychology, strategically melding biophilic elements and fractal patterns to create a peaceful environment.
This innovative approach aims to enhance wellbeing, reduce stress and promote calm within the often-demanding hospital setting.
Central to the chapel’s atmosphere are its fractal patterns, which are inspired by the geometry found throughout nature.
These patterns were developed through a unique collaboration between designers and scientists at the University of Oregon involved in fractals research.
They were specifically chosen to bring out positive psychological, physiological and neurological responses in occupants.
The designs were generated using a custom computer programme that merges artistic input with detailed scientific analysis. This one-of-a-kind art-science tool ensures the creation of patterns that are not only visually engaging but also inherently promote relaxation.
The chapel’s minimal material palette was chosen to emphasise the interplay of pattern, light and form.
Wood – used for the ceiling, flooring, benches and altar – contributes a warm, earthy feel, allowing the fractal patterns and natural light to remain the primary focal points.
Covering 35sq m, the chapel features a double-height ceiling and a room-high glass facade. The low entry opens dramatically into an 8m-tall space, creating an experience that is both impactful and calming.
At the heart of the sanctuary stands a unique altar, created by a renowned Austrian sculptor from the inverted rootstock of a walnut tree.
Surrounded by fractal surfaces and enhanced by clear lighting, the altar invites moments of introspection and contemplation.
Impactful designs
WAF Interiors is the sister awards programme of WAF and recognises the top global interior designs in nine categories.
Judges of this year’s Interiors categories remarked: “The care and attention to detail was evident in every aspect, resulting in eloquent and purposeful” spaces.
They added that many of the designs skillfully combined modern technology with traditional construction techniques, “transcending the boundaries of art and science”.
Here is the full list of winners in their respective categories:
Category: Hotels
Name: Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree in Singapore
Firm: Wow Architects|Warner Wong design
Category: Workplace (Large)
Name: ADND Silo in Mumbai, India
Firm: ADND LLP
Category: Workplace (Small)
Name: Acciona Campus in Madrid, Spain
Firm: Perkins&Will
Category: Bars & Restaurants
Name: Apsara Cruise in Bangkok, Thailand
Firm: Studio Locomotive
Category: Education
Name: BS Klim Op Zandbergen in Zandbergen, Belgium
Firm: Rosan Bosch Studio
Category: Public Buildings/World Interior of the Year
Name: Fractal Chapel at State Hospital Graz in Graz, Austria
Firm: Innocad Architecture
Category: Residential (single dwelling)
Name: Angra House in Angra dos Reis, Brazil
Firm: Studio Arthur Casas
Category: Retail
Name: Digikala Flagship Store in Tehran, Iran
Firm: Marz Design and Architecture
Category: Temporary/Meanwhile Use
Name: Satah in Ahmedabad, India
Firm: The Grid Architects
The ADND Silo in Mumbai, India by ADND LLP.
The Acciona Campus in Madrid, Spain by Perkins&Will.
The Angra House in Angra dos Reis, Brazil. Photo: Studio Arthur Casas
The Apsara Cruise in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Studio Locomotive
The BS Klim Op Zandbergen in Zandbergen, Belgium. Photo: Rosan Bosch Studio
The Digikala Flagship Store in Tehran, Iran. Photo: Marz Design and Architecture
The Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree in Singapore. Photo: Wow Architects/Warner Wong design
The Satah in Ahmedabad, India. Photo: The Grid Architects
The Fractal Chapel’s design strategically blends biophilic elements and fractal patterns to create a peaceful, emotionally restorative environment. Photo: Innocad Architecture
