Colorful mosaics splash across the facade. This is the Arik-Brauer-Haus. It is not just a building. It’s a statement.
The Arik-Brauer-Haus stands on Gumpendorfer Strasse in Vienna’s Mariahilf district. Construction spanned from 1991 to 1994. The artist Arik Brauer designed it in the style of Fantastic Realism. Architect Peter Pelikan executed the vision.
Arik Brauer, a celebrated Austrian artist, left his mark on Vienna. In 1991, he was commissioned to artistically design a new residential building. The non-profit housing association GESIBA oversaw the project. Brauer collaborated with Peter Pelikan. Pelikan had worked on Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s projects before. Together, they created this six-story building.
The building was inaugurated on April 22, 1994. Vienna’s mayor, Helmut Zilk, attended the ceremony. It was named Arik-Brauer-Haus after its creator. The house contains 33 subsidized apartments. It also includes three commercial spaces. A restaurant and a dog salon occupy these spaces. Arik Brauer’s style extends into the restaurant. The artist designed the bar of the connected café. He named it “Café Musenkuss”.
Construction cost around 5.1 million euros. Public funds covered nearly 2 million euros. These funds came from Vienna’s housing and art subsidies.
Brauer’s artistic design spans from the exterior facade to the interior courtyard. It includes staircases, individual apartments, and the restaurant. The Gumpendorfer Strasse facade showcases two images. These images consist of numerous tiles. They cover about 150 square meters. The fresco represents the struggle for harmony, according to the artist. The entrance area features a ceiling painting and two aquariums. Hallways and stairwells also display artistic designs. Apartment doors feature painted skylights. Bathrooms have tiled decorations upon request of the tenants.
Located in Gumpendorf, the Arik-Brauer-Haus emphasizes green living. The top-floor apartments have roof gardens. Hallways have green plants. The inner courtyard features green spaces, a small biotope, and a fountain. The Arik-Brauer-Haus displays two large ceramic friezes on its facade. They create a remarkable street view. The building combines residential functionality with artistic expression. It integrates Fantastic Realism elements into urban architecture.
Arik Brauer’s concern for the environment is evident. Vertical and rooftop gardens enhance the building’s design. The Arik-Brauer-Haus is more than just housing. It’s an integration of art, nature, and urban living. As you leave the Arik-Brauer-Haus, remember Brauer’s vision. He sought to harmonize art, nature, and urban life.