The interior of the Post Office Savings Bank constructed between 1904 and 1906 by Otto Wagner; who was also responsible for the Karlsplatz pavilions. It represents a progression from the Jugendstill and Neo-Classical styles, which up until the beginning of the C20th had been the accepted architectural methods adopted for any new major building in Vienna.
This image shows the Kassenhalle, spanned by a large glass skylight constructed entirely from steel and glass. Functionally it allows for a large unobstructed space as well as using natural daylight instead of electric; thus saving money. Aesthetically it represents a celebration of modern materials and building in an un-ornamented minimalist approach; still primarily used in contemporary office buildings today.
Overall the architects intention was to celebrate modern materials by creating new forms. The shell of the building is mostly constructed from reinforced concrete, whilst the facade is clad in marble panels which are held in place with polished steel rivets. This marks a major shift towards modernist architecture and an honesty in the use of building materials rather than hiding construction and fixings behind a layer of ornamentation.
No comments:
Post a Comment