Modernism In Vienna

T he Austrian capital blends       past.                              between old and new like no                                        other city in the world.        Modern Haas House was one of the   Within this fascinating Viennese      most disputed building projects    metropolis holiday makers can         of the late 20th century in        witness a cityscape of both           Vienna. Viennese architect Hans    tradition and modern times. There     Hollein set about to introduce a   is no better example to be found      concrete and glass structure       in Vienna than the modern glass       opposite St. Stephen’s cathedral.  Haas House building that stands                                          opposite the St. Stephen’s            The round curve of its facade      cathedral. Original the Haas          quotes the ancient Roman citadel   House was opposed by locals, but      Vindobona, whose former layout is  today it’s loved by most and for      traceable throughout Vienna’s      some a symbol of pride.               first district. Medieval houses                                          were built on top of Roman ruins;  This is what Vienna is famous for     modern houses were built on top    a unique mixture of reminiscence      of medieval ruins. Haas House      for the times of the monarchy,        uses this principle to blend into  and eagerness for contemporary        its surrounding despite its        trends. The attractions of the        contrasting architectural style.   romantic imperial city include                                           the splendid Imperial Palace and      Today, Haas House is one of the    magnificent Schönbrunn Palace.        most exciting buildings in Vienna  And the old city is perfectly         and the city’s pride. The square   complemented by the postmodern        of St. Stephen’s cathedral is      Haas House. Elegant Art Nouveau,      opened up by the glass facade.     opulent Baroque and picturesque       Images of St. Stephen’s Cathedral  Biedermeier all of them invite        reflected by the straight glass    visitors to stroll through the        facade of Haas House are a         popular motif.                                                                                                 The ribbed glass front facing St.  The interior was designed with        Stephen’s transforms in steps on   attention to detail. At the top       its west side into a smooth        one can enjoy a spectacular view      facade with square windows; the    of St. Stephen’s Cathedral at a       street floor contains smart shops  beautiful coffee shop and             between austere pillars.           restaurant. A boldly irregular                                           eight-story office building with       The Haas House is one of          a glass-enclosed cafe on top,         numerous modern and current        diagonally opposite the               building projects causing debate.  600-year-old Cathedral of St.         Travel organizations now include   Stephen in the very heart of          edifices of postmodern Vienna in   Vienna is a place which cannot be     the sightseeing itineraries of a   missed in Vienna.                     metropolis that is a living                                              textbook of architecture.          The local intellectuals and young                                        people applaud the post-modern        Haas House is one of the most      structure, designed by Hans           exhilarating buildings in Vienna   Hollein, one of the country’s         and the city’s pride. The square   leading architects. As per the        of St. Stephen’s cathedral is      views of Dr. Brigitte Timmermann,     opened up by the glass facade.     a historian, lecturer and author      Images of St. Stephen’s Cathedral  The Haas House carries on a           reflected by the straight glass    dialogue with the ancient             facade of Haas House are a         cathedral.                            popular motif.                     About the Author: Anil Gupta recommends that you visit http://www.bookings.be/city/at/vienna.html?aid=305255 for more information on Vienna hotels. Read more articles by: Anil Gupta Article Source: www.iSnare.com