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Ruhepol Mariendom — Acoustic Refuge in St. Mary’s Cathedral

Press Conference
Thursday, 14 Mai 2009

Ever since the 2008 Christmas season, Linz09’s Acoustic City project has been working together with the Austrian Social Democratic Party’s Upper Austrian Regional Organization and the Linz Art University’s Architectural Program to operate a very well-received acoustic refuge in a downtown Linz space that used to be occupied by a movie theater. By early April, the Centralkino Ruhepol had already attracted more than 8,000 visitors.

In Spring 2009, a second Ruhepol will open in Linz’s inner city. From May 21 to October 26, Rudigier Hall in Linz’s St. Mary’s Cathedral will be dedicated to silent contemplation.

The Acoustic Refuge in St. Mary’s Cathedral is situated in a separate space with quite an interesting history. To mark the 100th anniversary of the laying of the cathedral’s foundation stone in 1862, plans were set in motion to install a superb organ to commemorate the man who was the driving force behind the church’s construction, Bishop Rudigier. This Rudigier Organ was indeed completed in 1968, though at a very high price—the spectacularly beautiful rose window that had bathed the cathedral’s interior in magnificent light was barricaded. The result is a space that is one-of-a-kind in Europe. The Rudigier Hall is 10 x 10 meters square and 20 meters high. Its proportions, its acoustics and its atmosphere are all unique. It’s as if it were meant to serve as an acoustic refuge.

The given spatial structure and lighting conditions are now further intensified by gentle artistic interventions. Linz native Rainer Jessl has developed a light installation that draws upon the Cathedral Ruhepol’s existing lighting situation, which is determined by the sun’s arc across the heavens and the impressive rose window. This lightshow culminates at dusk when the giant stained-glass window glows with the sun’s last rays. No spotlight can match this spectacle. As daylight ends, the impression of floating water pervades the rotunda.

The only objects in the Cathedral Ruhepol’s interior are relaxation-enhancing furnishings created by Tobias Hagleitner, Gunar Wilhelm and Richard Steger, the designers of Centralkino Ruhepol. All furnishings are made out of large cable spools. These raw plywood drums—some cut in half, some whole—have been covered with textile strips and thus serve as recliners and lounging areas with sumptuous felt surfaces. The geometry of the spools enables users to enjoy a protected feeling of seclusion and undisturbed relaxation while simultaneously directing users’ attention up to the rose window and to Rainer Jessl’s light installation.

WHAT // Ruhepol Mariendom
WHEN // 21 May - 26 October 2009
opening hours: Tu-So 12 AM - 9 PM
WHERE // Rudigier-Hall at the Mariendom, Herrenstraße 26, 4020 Linz