The Goldman & Salatsch Building also known locally as the Loos House was constructed in 1910 as a mixed use development and sits on Michaelerplatz opposite the Hofburg; then still the Imperial seat of the Hapburgs.
It caused quite a stir at the time of its construction with its architect, Adolf Loos choosing to strip the building of un-necessary ornament; instead focusing on function and form making it one of the forerunners of the modern style. Despite this the building is still beautifully and richly detailed using bronze, marble, faceted glass and gold, which can be referenced back to Loos' appreciation of the decorative arts and particularly items with a functional beauty. He is also responsible for Cafe Museum 1899, The American Bar 1908 and the Rufter House 1922; all were located in Vienna.
Loos himself was colourful and slightly tragic character contracting syphilis in the brothels of Vienna by 21 after failing to complete his architectural studies. He spent time in America before returning to Vienna to great acclaim becoming part of the Viennese intelligentsia and establishing himself as the preferred architect of Vienna's social elite.
However he was diagnosed with cancer in 1918 with the result that his stomach, appendix and part of his intestine had to be removed; meaning that for the rest of his life he could only digest ham and cream. Through this period and before he had had several unhappy marriages and as he reached fifty he was almost completely deaf. At the time of his death aged 62 in 1933 he was completely penniless.
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