Historicism, revivalism, and eclecticism as precursors to modernism in sacred Viennese architecture

The paper aims to examine sacred Austrian architecture of the historicism period as a precursor to modernism; to explore the demise of historicism, which left room for the contributions of progressive architects and the emergence of new styles (such as the Vienna Secession) and, subsequently, modernism; to explain the impact of social changes on the spatial organization, structure, materials, decoration, and interior of religious architecture and how traditionalism resisted modernism. The study examines over 250 Austrian churches, 80 of which were built in historical styles in 1830–1910. With the use of literary evidence, the evolution of church construction is empirically traced to the present day, thus explaining the emergence of current architectural trends. The work of architects shapes new styles and identities – a process that is also characteristic of Russian architecture. The mixture of historical styles presented in new combinations and materials within a single building indicates a search leading to the discovery of entirely new forms. In addition, the buildings are naturally affected by social upheavals, as well as advances in science and technology. In collaboration with the client, the architect translates contemporary social attitudes into architecture, thus generating new images and symbols that are inextricably linked to the worldview of their era.

1. Glebova N. , Klamer M. Red Vienna. 1919-1934. Proekt Baikal = Project Baikal. 2021;18:26-35. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.51461/projectbaikal.68.1797.

2. Glebova N. M., Klamer M. Evolution and modernism of church architecture in Vienna. Izvestiya vuzov. Investitsii. Stroitel'stvo. Nedvizhimost = Proceedings of Universities. Investment. Construction. Real estate. 2021;11(2):314-329. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.21285/2227-2917-2021-2-314-329.

3. Nierhaus A. Der Ring. Pionierjahre einer Prachtstrasse. Wien: Residenz, 2015. 288 p. (In German).

4. Kohlbauer-Fritz G. Ringstrasse. Ein jüdischer Bulevard. Wien: Amalthea, 2015. 344 p. (In German).

5. Klamer M., Glebova N. M. Public parades of a Space Ring - from histrory to modern. Izvestiya vuzov. Investitsii. Stroitel'stvo. Nedvizhimost = Proceedings of Universities. Investment. Construction. Real estate. 2016;2:228-244. (In Russ.).

6. Jacks Ph. Ferro-concrete and the search for style in the ‘american renaissance’: the case of Franklin Webster Smith. III. Utopias. London: The Courtauld Institute of Art; 2015. p. 171-187.

7. Achleitner F. Österreichische Architektur im 20 jahrhundert. B. III. 1. Wien 1–12. Salzburg: Residenz; 2010. 331 s. (In German).

8. Achleitner F. Österreichische Architektur im 20 jahrhundert. B. III. 2. Wien 13–18. Salzburg: Residenz; 1995. 256 s. (In German).

9. Achleitner F. Österreichische Architektur im 20 jahrhundert. B. III. 3. Wien 19–23. Salzburg: Residenz; 2010. 500 s. (In German).

10. Storrer W. A. The Frank Lloyd Wright Companion. Chicago: University of Chicago Press; 2006. 492 p.

11. Glebova N. M., Klamer M. Modern temple in urban structure as a symbol of cultural identity and public space. Izvestiya vuzov. Investitsii. Stroitel'stvo. Nedvizhimost' = Proceedings of Universities. Investment. Construction. Real estate. 2022;12(2):256-275. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.21285/2227-2917-2022-2-256-275.

12. Glebova N. M. The formation of the architectural identity of the urban environment of Irkutsk. Irkutsk: Irkutsk National Research Technical University; 2020. 86 p. (In Russ.).

13. Reidinger E. Planung oder Zufall – Wiener Neustadt 1192. Wien; 2001. S. 267-389. (In German).

14. Bäumler A. K., Zeese A. Wiener Kirchenbau nach 1945. Wien: Institut für Kunstgeschichte; 2007. 139 s.

15. Lepine A. Historicism. II. Identities‘. London: Research Forum of The Courtauld Institute of Art Somerset House; 2015. P. 101-103.