Gemeindebau Neumayrgasse 7–9

Who could imagine a residential complex shaping a city’s skyline and reflecting its social history? The Gemeindebau Neumayrgasse 7–9, built between 1983 and 1985, stands as a testament to Vienna’s commitment to public housing. This Gemeindebau, designed by Reinhard Gieselmann, isn’t just a place to live. It’s a story etched in brick and mortar, a reflection of Vienna’s urban development. The Gemeindebau Neumayrgasse 7–9 offers 104 apartments, nestled within a unique architectural design. Gieselmann’s vision fills two blocks, creating an inward-facing structure that feels like a small village. Its design incorporates bürgerlicher details, giving it a distinct character. The Gemeindebau Neumayrgasse 7–9 features a ten-window-wide block closure on Neumayrgasse, with five floors and a developed attic. Postmodern motifs, like the round arch, appear in the base and roof zones. Recessed entrance areas end in pointed gables. Brightly painted railings in front of the French windows add vertical rhythm to the facade. The complex also includes a corner building at Herbststraße/Schinnaglgasse, with eight and nineteen window axes respectively, and six floors. Here, Gieselmann repeats the recessed entranceways with gables, and adds playful postmodern elements like a pointed oriel and colonnades at the base. The building steps down in height to accommodate the sloping terrain. The flattened corner of the building, with its two rows of loggias, is particularly striking. A metal hand appears to support the corner balcony. This is the artwork “The Supporting Hand” by Gero Schwanberg. Inscribed on the arm is a quote from Aristotle: “The house arises from the house in the mind of the artist.” The courtyard facades are marked by loggias of varying lengths with lattice railings, culminating in round arches on the fifth floor. The attic is also developed, featuring dormers. Near the entrance to the Vienna City Children’s Daycare Center, you’ll find a small harlequin head figure on a console, adding a touch of whimsy. The Gemeindebau Neumayrgasse 7–9 stands as a quiet testament to Vienna’s dedication to providing quality housing, seamlessly blending functionality with artistic expression. It tells a story of social progress, architectural innovation, and the enduring power of community.