
Located at number 34-38 Kegelgasse, in the third arrondissement of Vienna, just outside the city centre and the Ring, the Hundertwasserhaus is a colourful building of unconventional and popular architecture. It was built between 1983 and 1985 by the Viennese painter Friedensreich Hundertwasser (which literally translates as '100 waters'), a disciple of Gaudi, who wanted to protest against the monotony of urban constructions. The variety of colours and an overactive imagination that refuses to be put in a stranglehold characterise this artist's originality. This very original eco-friendly building is made of bricks, ceramics, and natural materials, and is given life with 250 trees and shrubs growing on its facade. The building is used for the Austrian equivalent of social housing, but has actually become one of the main attractions in Vienna. Whether or not the 200 tenants approve of this is another matter! A short distance away is the KunstHaus Wien, the Hundertwasser Museum, a gallery that includes a collection of the Viennese architect's drawings, as well as temporary modern art exhibitions. In the lobby of the building there is also an eye-catching fountain flowing the wrong way!
This very original building is located in Vienna's 3rd district.
© Juliane Jacobs / age fotostockThis building seems to be like something from a different era. This isn't surprising, however, when you consider that its designer, Hundertwasser, took his inspiration from several different sources, like Anton Gaudi and Simon Rodia.
© Juliane Jacobs / age fotostockThe designer of this unusual building once said: "A painter dreams of homes and architecture through which Man is free and this dream becomes a reality."
© Timo Gronlund / age fotostockNot only is it a decorative building, it also holds 50 flats and 4 restaurants.
© Juliane Jacobs / age fotostockOrdained with mosaics, Architect Joseph Krawina and designer Friedensreich Hundertwasser created a building that is in itself a work of art.
© Stephan Pietzko / age fotostock