Architecture on Stage: Hermann Czech

Hermann Czech is one of Austria’s most influential architects and theorists. Czech’s work has always tended towards a litotic understatement and reserve, rooted in the idea of “architecture as background”.

In Vienna’s post-war cultural turmoil, Czech distanced himself from many of his contemporaries, leaning towards rationally and structurally orientated architects like Adolf Loos and Josef Frank, in search of consistent approaches.

Czech’s work could be seen a retrospective realisation and continuation of Viennese modernism, while simultaneously incorporating postmodern principles of humour, irony and superimposition of meaning.

Image: Project for the installation of a retractable roof in Vienna (1965)