History has not always been kind to the St. Moritz church in Augsburg, Germany. Founded nearly a millennium ago, the Catholic cathedral has suffered raging fires, wartime bombings, and awkward alterations. Today, however, the structure radiates with pristine beauty, thanks to an overhaul by British architect John Pawson. The devout minimalist stripped away interior details to create a sublime study in simplicity, with unadorned arches, vaults, and shallow domes that achieve a nuanced interplay of curves and planes. Contrasting with the stark white space are dark-wood accents, among them the clean-lined pews and casing of the refurbished organ. The overall impact is one of restrained power, offering a serene setting for worship or quiet contemplation.
