Vienna, Austria is a rich confection of architecture representing many periods and styles, ranging from elaborate baroque monuments to twentieth century innovations.
The Goldman and Salatsch Building
Eyebrows raised when architect Adolf Loos built a modern structure across from the Imperial Palace in Vienna. The year: 1909. The Goldman and Salatsch Building marks an important transition in the world of architecture.
The Austrian Empire once extended north to Poland and the Czech Republic, east to the Ukraine and Romania, and south to Bosnia, Croatia, and Italy. To expand your journey, see:
1740-1790
Baroque architecture reigned during the time of Empress Maria Theresa (1740-80) and her son Joseph II (1780-90). Architect Fischer von Erlach designed Schönbrunn Palace and planned the magnificient Karlskirche.
Mid-1800s
The former city walls and military enforcements that protected the city center were demolished. In their place, Emperor Franz Joseph I launched a massive urban renewal, creating the Ringstrasse (Ring Boulevard) with monumental, historically-inspired neo-Gothic and neo-Baroque buildings. The term Ringstrassenstil is sometimes used to describe this mix of styles. The Museum of Fine Arts and the Renaissance Revival Vienna Opera House
(Wiener Staatsoper) were constructed during this time.
Late 1800s - Early 1900s The Viennese Secession movement launched a revolutionary spirit in architecture. Architect Otto Wagner combined traditional styles and Art Nouveau influences. Meanwhile, architect Adolf Loos established the stark, minimalist style we see at the The Goldman and Salatsch Building.
Modern Times Today Vienna is a showplace of architectural innovation. Twentieth century buildings include brilliantly colored, unusually shaped buildings by Friedensreich Hunderwasser and a controversial glass and steel structure by Hans Hollein. Several teams of architects are converting the century-old Gasometer buildings into a massive urban complex with offices and shops.
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