Donau City Kirche, Vienna

The Donaucity Church, named Christ, Hope of the World, is a Roman Catholic place of worship situated in the Donau City district of Vienna's 22nd district, known as Donaustadt. In the 1990s, as Donau City took shape, a church was planned. Six top Austrian architects competed, with Heinz Tesar of Vienna winning for a design that could hold its own among the surrounding skyscrapers.

The church's foundation stone was laid on September 5, 1999, and consecrated on November 26, 2000, by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn. It was administered by the Salvatorian Order until September 2016 when Dr. Ewald Huscava became the rector on October 1, 2016.

The church's exterior is made mainly of Styrian chrome steel, with a white cross and a steel frame housing three bells. It's shaped like a cross cuboid with cut-out upper corners, and the dark steel shell has diagonal round openings of varying sizes that create a unique design. These openings let in natural light during the day and give the church a glowing appearance at night.

The church's interior is beautifully decorated with birch wood and illuminated by various lights, giving it a unique and spacious feel. Recessed upper corners create distinct zones, including the entrance with a porch, the tabernacle, the baptismal font, and the Madonna and Child area. On Sundays, the latter becomes a children's play area, while at other times, it's a place for contemplation and prayer.

Below the church lies a versatile space with a community hall, office, foyer, and smaller rooms. Next to it, a charming courtyard lets in natural light, hosting various activities like celebrations, coffee gatherings, meditation, playgroups, fairs, performances, exhibitions, and more.