“Climbing Church” – From Sacred Space to Boulder Hall

Adaptive Reuse of the Parish Church of Petrus Canisius, Innsbruck

The listed parish church of Petrus Canisius, designed by architect Horst Parson in the 1960s, is to be given a new and equally public use in response to declining attendance. A section of this architecturally striking sacred building will become a bouldering hall, complemented by a gastronomy zone in a new southern extension. The conversion and extension aim to attract new user groups while revitalizing both the building and the surrounding neighborhood in a sustainable way.

Respectful Approach to a Historic Monument
Our goal is to preserve the architectural and urban value of this sacred building in Innsbruck’s Höttinger Au district by carefully adapting it to contemporary uses. Our design is based on the principle of minimally invasive intervention. The protected building is retained in its original volume, spatial impact, and materiality, while being selectively repurposed and complemented. Three interlinked measures are key: the addition of an extension, the adaptive reuse of the church interior, and the reorganization of the exterior spaces. New elements are clearly recognizable as contemporary additions and do not compete with the existing sacred architecture. The extension along the Inn promenade is scaled in height and proportion to complement the church and integrates naturally into the ensemble without dominating it visually. Following a “plug-and-play” concept, it connects to the existing structure in a reversible manner and can be dismantled at any time without permanently altering the original church building.

Transparent ground-floor zones open the building to the promenade, while all Building Services for the bouldering hall and gastronomy are accommodated within the new structure. A clear functional separation between the church’s remaining uses (chapel, parish center, lower church) and the new functions (bouldering hall, gastronomy, shop) allows for independent operation of the nave without impacting the ensemble as a whole. All alterations to the existing structure and the extension design were developed in close collaboration with the Federal Monuments Authority.

Public Revitalization
The conversion and extension create the framework to engage new user groups and to sustainably activate both the building and its urban setting. Opening the site toward the Inn promenade with a restaurant, terrace, and public restrooms offers significant potential to enhance the area’s quality of stay and leisure offerings.

The building’s new role is already evident at ground level: a spacious foyer connects the restaurant with kitchen, bar, and dining area, along with a small shop and secondary functions. A dedicated children’s bouldering zone with direct access to the atrium is located on the lower level. The main bouldering area forms the spatial core in the former nave. Freestanding climbing walls are positioned to respect the original spatial layout and preserve the unique sacred atmosphere. Delicate gallery structures expand the usable area and offer spaces for visitors and spectators. Step-free access to all levels ensures that the building remains inclusive and functions as an open, vibrant place within the neighborhood.


External Planning Partners
columbosnext (Judith Widauer and Raphael Hanny) - Winners of the architectural design competition for the interior design of the bouldering area

