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The Purkersdorf Sanatorium
Wienerstraße 64
3002 Purkersdorf bei Wien
The Purkersdorf Sanatorium was built 1904/05 by architect
Josef Hoffmann, a disciple of Otto Wagner, the founder of
modern architecture in Austria. It is an example of architecture
from the Vienna Secession and paved the way for modern architecture.
Being the most important work of the cubistic-geometric phase
of the Viennese Jugendstil this building was revolutionary
in its clear disposition and formal development and last but
not least the simplicity of its construction. Hoffmann made
use of the most modern available techniques - reinforced concrete
- when building the Sanatorium.
It was the first large commission for Josef Hoffmann and
the Wiener Werkstaette artisan's group, and came about through
the acquaintance of the architect with the art critic Berta
Zuckerkandl. She, as a supporter of the Secession and admirer
of Josef Hoffmann recommended him to the builder, her brother
in law Victor Zuckerkandl, who purchased this area as a spa
together with spa gardens which it was before in the 19th
century when the so called "Laura-well" was found.
Decoration outside the building is extremely discreet. Inside
there are fascinating contrasts between the severity of the
architecture and the more decorated interior. The intended
purpose of the Sanatorium pulled for a level of hygienic sobriety
which helped Hoffmann in his design. The black and white colour
scheme and quadratic motifs were a continuum throughout the
foyer of Hoffmann’s Purkersdorf sanatorium, including
chairs and tables. Reprodactions are made by Wittmann
furniture in Austria.
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Foyer
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Not only architectural importance and matters of art history
has to be mentioned at this building, it was also a meeting
point for the high society. The Sanatorium was designed for
a wealthy circle of patients, dedicated to the highest levels
of comfort and luxury. Up to the worldwide economic crisis
in 1929 Purkersdorf was visited by upperclass clientele and
intelligentsia: Gustav Mahler, Hugo von Hoffmannsthal, Arnold
Schönberg and Arthur Schnitzler were there, but also
Indian Maharadschas and millionaires of dollars.
Against the will of Josef Hoffmann the building was raised
by Leopold Bauer
in 1926.
After the death of Victor Zuckerkandl in 1927, several relatives
took over the Sanatorium Purkersdorf until to the occupation
of the Nationalsocialists when Jewish property was "aryanysed".
After World War II the building was used by the Russian forces
as a military hospital. 1952 the Austrian protestant church
purchased the building and run a hospital, later a home for
elderly people. 1975 they stopped activity, the building and
the park was unused for many years. The Sanatorium Purkersdorf
has now been restored carefully, the 3rd floor is removed
and the opening as an old people's home took place in May
2003.
Woka
Lamps in Vienna produced reproductions of the original
lamps designed by Josef Hoffmann and executed by the Wiener
Werkstaette for the most delicate areas.(Karolinsky
Archive)
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