Otto Wagner, 1841-1918 : forerunner of modern architecture

The pioneer of Viennese Modernism One of Austria's most influential architects, Otto Wagner (1841-1918) played a key role in modernizing urban architecture.

Forming an approach described as structural rationalism, Wagner pioneered use of materials such as glass, steel, and especially aluminum.

He was associated with the Viennese Succession, a group of artists and designers headed by Gustav Kllmt that initiated a departure from the conservative style of the Viennese Kunstlerhaus.

Among Wagner's most important buildings are the Vienna Postsparkassenamt (Postal Savings building) and the Steinhof Church. Basic Architecture features; Each title contains approximately 120 images, including photographs, sketches, drawings, and floor plans; Introductory essays explore the architect's life and work, touching on family and background as well as collaborations with other architects; The body presents the most important works in chronological order, with descriptions of client and/or architect wishes, construction problems (why some projects were never executed), and resolutions; The appendix includes a list of complete or selected works, biography, bibllography and a map indicating the locations of the architect's most famous buildings