Zum Bösen Segen

Project idea

A place that tells a story itself: The project “Zum Bösen Segen” transforms the hill of St. Hippolyt into a meaningful cultural space. Inspired by the local church, colloquially known as the “Church of Evil Blessing” due to repeated lightning strikes, the museum responds powerfully to its surroundings. The concept arises from the question of how architecture can resonate with history, landscape, and identity—not as an object, but as a place.

Project description

The project entails the design of an art museum that seamlessly integrates into the dramatic topography of the hillside. The building volume adapts to the terrain’s contour lines and creates a visual relationship to existing structures through a deliberate rotation. The spatial sequence is organized as a loop: Starting in the darkened “mountain cave”, visitors move through differently lit exhibition halls toward the panorama room overlooking the Etsch Valley. The design aims to fuse art and landscape into a walkable narrative space.

Technical information

The architecture is based on a double-skin exposed concrete structure, with a monolithic appearance echoing the hues of the adjacent slate rock. The roof geometry was derived from an analysis of local geological formations. Vertical gaps between the outer walls create a play of natural light that brings rhythm to the interior. Access is provided from the south, while the exhibition spaces are oriented to the north. Inside, a tinted anhydrite screed with varied surface finishes and a refined lighting concept generate spatial depth and atmosphere.