What was Hundertwasser’s civil name and what did his artist name mean? Where do we find his handwriting in Vienna or all of Austria? What made him so distinctive? Where and how did he pass away?
This colorful house facade attracts guests from all over the world. Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser designed this residence in 1983-85 together with architect Josef Krawina . It is located in the 3rd district, next to the Hundertwasser Village (café, souvenir stores) and the Art House with more info about Friedensreich Hundertwasser and changing exhibitions. According to Hundertwasser’s philosophy, nature is an important part of the architecture, which is why around 200 trees adorn the house. As in nature, where no two leaves are alike, this is reflected in its architecture. The Hundertwasserhaus is absolutely worth seeing and a sustainable project from the 1980s. Please note: As this is a residential building, only the façade can be viewed from the outside. Who was Friedensreich Hundertwasser? Friedrich Stowasser was born in Vienna on December 15, 1928 From 1949 he called himself Friedensreich Hundertwasser, as “Sto” means hundred in the Slavic language. In addition to painting, architecture and environmental protection were the focus of his interest. He thought that the straight line would be the downfall of mankind. For this reason, there is no straight line to be found in his art. Instead, he was fascinated by the spiral, which we find again and again in his art. He was a great admirer of Egon Schiele. He spent a lot of time in nature. Trees, plants and the greening of his objects were very important to him. The protection of water and a waste-free society as well. He expressed his opinion in many letters, manifestos and speeches. Hundertwasser was active in Austria, in Germany, in Switzerland, but also internationally to Japan, USA, Israel and New Zealand. He embellished the Spittelau waste incineration plant and put his trademark on it with his typical Kapperl (little cap). The thermal spa Blumau in Styria also corresponds to the typical Hundertwasser architecture, as do many other buildings as far away as Japan and New Zealand, where he last lived. He died on February 19, 2000 on the cruise ship “Queen Elizabeth II” at the age of 71 and left behind a daughter. His body was buried as he wished on his plot in New Zealand, wrapped only in a linen cloth, at a depth of 60 centimeters. A tree was planted above it as a symbol of life after death. Where the colorful municipal building stands today (a commemorative plaque reminds us of it), there used to be the goose pasture. It was one of the cruelest execution sites in Vienna, where public burnings took place. From the 14th century heretics, Jews, witches, “sorcerers”, perjurers and sodomites were burned alive at the stake here. Time Travel Tip: Take streetcar no. 1 from Schwedenplatz in the direction of the Prater and plan a stop at the Hundertwasserhaus (Hetzgasse stop) Then continue to the terminus and walk through the Prater Hauptallee into the amusement park to the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel. So you can comfortably combine both attractions. Next to the facade of the Hundertwasser House, you can visit the Kunsthaus (about 10 minutes walk away), where there is a permanent exhibition about the artist, as well as temporary exhibitions. More info: Hundertwasser House – Hundertwasser Krawina House Image sources: https:%C3%
