Kirche St. Michael

The new presbytery – the location of the liturgy – floats above the floor of the nave, and is accessed via projecting steps. Further steps, in the same material, lead to the old presbytery. The asymmetrical opening from the nave to the old presbytery is absorbed into the new design. The symmetrical orientation to the nave permits the original cross to be incorporated – the original cross becomes part of the new presbytery. The presbytery is read as a new element due to its materiality and floating design; a new building block in the historical church.

The altar takes reference from the location of the tabernacle and the nave of the church – it is located at the centre. The base of the stipes is directed towards the high altar, and the 33 blued stainless steel plates of the stipes, symbolising the years of Jesus Christ’s life, each twist in relation to the previous one until they align with the mensa.

Ambo and sessio are orientated towards the centre of the nave. The form of the ambo is reminiscent of an open book – the Book of the Gospels – from which the word of God is read. The book fits harmoniously into the shape of the ambo and forms a harmonious whole. After the reading of the Gospel the ambo offers a way to display the Book of the Gospels to the congregation.