A chapel in Austria whose design harmoniously combines science, art and nature recently achieved worldwide recognition.
The Fractal Chapel was awarded the coveted title of “World Interior of the Year” at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2025, held November 12-14 in Miami, USA.
The Fractal Chapel, designed by Innocad Architecture and housed by the Evangelical Church and located in a state hospital in Graz, is a quiet refuge for patients, staff and visitors.
Deeply rooted in contemporary neuroscience and environmental psychology, its design strategically combines biophilic elements and fractal patterns to create a peaceful environment.
This innovative approach aims to increase well-being, reduce stress and promote calm in the often demanding hospital environment.
Central to the chapel's atmosphere are its fractal patterns, which are inspired by the geometry found in nature.
Banyan Tree's Mandai Rainforest Resort in Singapore. Photo: Wow Architects/Warner Wong Design
These patterns were developed through a unique collaboration between designers and scientists at the University of Oregon who study fractals.
They have been specifically selected to produce positive psychological, physiological and neurological responses in residents.
The designs were created using a bespoke computer program that combines artistic input with detailed scientific analysis. This unique art science tool ensures the creation of patterns that are not only visually appealing but also inherently promote relaxation.
The chapel's minimalist material palette was chosen to highlight the interplay of pattern, light and form.
Wood – used for the ceiling, flooring, benches and altar – creates a warm, earthy atmosphere, allowing the fractal patterns and natural light to remain the focus.
The BS Klim Op Zandbergen in Zandbergen, Belgium. Photo: Rosan Bosch Studio
The 35 m² chapel has a double-height ceiling and a floor-to-ceiling glass facade. The low entrance opens dramatically into an 8m high space, creating an experience that is both impressive 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 light, the altar invites moments of introspection and contemplation.
Effective designs
WAF Interiors is WAF's sister awards program and recognizes the world's best interior designs in nine categories.
Judges for this year's Interiors categories noted: “The care and attention to detail was evident in every aspect, resulting in expressive and functional spaces.”
The Angra House in Angra dos Reis, Brazil. Photo: Studio Arthur Casas
They added that many of the designs skillfully combined modern technology with traditional construction techniques, “pushing 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
Company: Wow Architects|Warner Wong Design
Category: workplace (large)
Name: ADND silo in Mumbai, India
Company: ADND LLP
Category: Workstation (small)
Name: Acciona Campus in Madrid, Spain
Company: Perkins&Will
The Apsara cruise in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Studio Lokomotive
Category: Bars and restaurants
Name: Apsara cruise in Bangkok, Thailand
Company: Studio locomotive
Category: Training
Name: BS Klim Op Zandbergen in Zandbergen, Belgium
Company: Rosan Bosch Studio
Category: Public Buildings/World Interior of the Year
Name: Fractal chapel in the Graz Regional Hospital in Graz, Austria
Company: Innocad architecture
Category: Living (single-family house)
Name: Angra House in Angra dos Reis, Brazil
Company: Studio Arthur Casas
The Digikala flagship store in Tehran, Iran. Photo: Marz Design and Architecture
Category: retail
Name: Digikala flagship store in Tehran, Iran
Company: March Design and Architecture
Category: Temporary/interim use
Name: Satah in Ahmedabad, India
Company: The Grid Architects