Deep within Vienna’s 14th district stands the Blathof, a testament to a bygone era. The Blathof is not just bricks and mortar. It is a living reminder of Vienna’s history. It stands as a symbol of social progress.
Let’s delve into the story of this remarkable place. The Blathof was erected in 1924 and 1925. Clemens Holzmeister designed it. This municipal residential complex originally housed 313 apartments. Now, it contains 302. The Blathof offered more than just living spaces. It included shops, a kindergarten, a youth center, and even a library.
The Blathof is named after Ferdinand Blat. He was a member of the Schutzbund killed in 1934. The Gemeinderatsausschuss für Kultur honored him in 1948. A memorial plaque at the entrance commemorates his sacrifice. The Blathof is also known as the Rott-Bau. This nickname comes from its location on Rottstraße.
Holzmeister’s design showcases expressionist details. Notice the impressive roof silhouette. See the spitzerker, opening over the corners. Observe the building corners rising outwards. The courtyard façade offers a calmer contrast. It features halbloggias. Wilhelm Frass created the courtyard’s ornamental fountain in 1925. Reliefs adorn the entrances to each staircase.
The Blathof arose during a significant period. After World War I, Vienna’s social democrats gained power. They aimed to improve living conditions. They launched a housing program in 1923. The goal was to provide decent homes for the population. The Blathof became part of this movement. It offered modern amenities. These included running water and toilets. These were a stark contrast to the old Bassena apartments.
The location of the Blathof is quite strategic. It sits near the old postal route from Vienna to Linz. This route dates back to Roman times. The area was once home to many factories. The Blathof provided housing for the workers. The inclusion of social facilities like a kindergarten was innovative.
Examine the architecture more closely. The five-story complex surrounds a large courtyard. A separate kindergarten building sits within this courtyard. The main façade faces Linzer Straße. Its pult roofs and spitzerker create a striking appearance. The building blocks recede at right angles on the four corners. Rounded structures connect the blocks at ground level. These house shops. The street fronts are long and regularly structured. The stepped roofline and oriel windows create a powerful rhythm.
Wilhelm Frass’s sculptures add artistic touches. Slim male figures stand above the stairwell entrances. A large female figure graces the kindergarten wall. Two fountains with water-spewing masks decorate the courtyard. Even the simple courtyard grilles display intricate linear patterns.
Clemens Holzmeister was a prominent architect. He designed the crematorium at Vienna’s Zentralfriedhof. He also led the master school for architecture at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. Later, he emigrated to Ankara. After World War II, he returned to Vienna. He resumed his position at the academy.
The Blathof stands as a reminder of Vienna’s commitment to its people. Its architecture, art, and history intertwine. It is a symbol of a city striving for a better future. Take a moment to appreciate this unique example of early municipal architecture. It represents an important chapter in Vienna’s story.