![]() The best example of his approach is precisely the Looshaus on Michaelerplatz. The Looshaus and the American Bar by Adolf Loos Vienna was the home of another great architect, who had very different ideas with respect to Wagner: Adolf Loos, the maker of strictly functional architecture, certainly a far cry from the Art Nouveau style (he famously asserted that “ornament is crime”). The decorations are particularly refined: marble, glass, tile, metal, colored or gilded stuccowork make these buildings unique. His creations include the Majolica House, the Musenhaus on the Wienzeile, the Kirche am Steinhof, the Postsparkasse, and – the most famous, perhaps – the metro stations of Karlsplatz, enhanced by marble and gold, where Wagner chose to leave the skeleton of the iron structure visible. Just consider, for example, the works of Otto Wagner with his clean, clear, symmetrical and sober style. The Secession, in fact, is clearly visible along the streets of the Austrian capital, enhanced by the works of some of the most important exponents of this artistic and architectural current. Subway entrance, Karlsplatz, Vienna – Photo © PfeifferĪrt Nouveau in Vienna Strolling in Vienna, you can see many fine examples of Art Nouveau. Twice a week, on Tuesday and Friday, it is possible to visit her completely restored apartment, with a roof garden and the original furnishings. ![]() Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky was a pioneer in the field of social housing, a supporter of the women’s movement and an active opponent of National Socialism. Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky Center A bit off the beaten track for tourists, but very interesting from a design standpoint, the Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky Center is a museum about the architect who invented the modern modular kitchen, who lived and worked here for three decades. Team of Vienna Design Week – Photo © Apollonia Theresa Bitzan, Vienna Design Week The striking feature of the building is the dome clad in sheets of copper covered with gold leaf, the epitome of the movement whose members included Gustav Klimt, Kolo Moser and Josef Hoffmann. Completed in 1898 based on a design by the young architect Joseph Maria Olbrich, it almost immediately became a world renowned icon of style. ![]() The Secession Building One of the most famous attractions in the capital is the Secession Building, symbol of the Jugendstil (the counterpart of Art Nouveau). Secession Building, Vienna – Photo © Alessandro Cristiano ![]() Following the very elegant Kärntner Straße we come across two other Viennese gems: the Hotel Sacher, an admirable example of refinement, and the Albertina Museum, containing a precious collection ranging from Michelangelo to Goya to Picasso. Still in the historical center, we find the Burgtheater, the national theater first opened in 1748. The distinctive features of the cathedral are the dome in Renaissance style placed over the north tower, with the big bell known as the Pummerin inside, and the large crest with the symbol of Austria formed by the roof tiles. It stands on Stephansplatz, one of the most beautiful squares in the Austrian capital. Stephen’s Cathedral is an absolute masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna – Photo © V_E Inside there are also various attractions, such as the Austrian National Library, the Imperial Silver Collection, and the Spanish Riding School. This is a complex of buildings on an area of almost 250,000 square meters, with as many as 19 courtyards and 2600 rooms. We set off from the Hofburg Palace, the imperial palace of the House of Habsburg, now the residence of the President of Austria. The historical center The tour of the city starts in the historical center, an absolute gem of architecture and design, included in the World Heritage listings of UNESCO. Hofburg Palace, Vienna – Photo © Kirill Neiezhmakov The week features about 200 events, with 40,000 visitors expected. This year, the focus is on the creation of products and the fundamental role of designers. The right occasion these days could be Vienna Design Week 2023, an event that began in 2007, organized by an independent association, from 22 September to 1 October. Vienna Design Week – Photo © Maren Jelef Kollektiv Fischka, Vienna Design Week Also for lovers of architecture and design. Always captivating, always incredible timely: Vienna is one of the most fascinating capitals of the old continent, an absolute pearl that must be visited. Imperial, romantic, elegant, with its inimitable retro charm. Austrian Postal Savings Bank by Otto Wagner, 1922 - Vienna Design Week 2022 - Photo © Lea Dörr, Vienna Design Week
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