Imagine living in a place named after a musical genius. That is the Haydnhof for you. This municipal housing complex carries the name of the famous composer Joseph Haydn. Let’s delve into the story of this Viennese building.
The Haydnhof stands proudly in Vienna’s 12th district. More precisely it is in Meidling. August Hauser designed this impressive structure. Construction took place between 1928 and 1929.
The Haydnhof is a prime example of social housing from the “Red Vienna” era. This was the time between the two World Wars. The complex was designed to include 304 apartments. These apartments surround a spacious courtyard. Inside that courtyard, there is even a kindergarten.
Notice the architecture. The facades are mostly smooth. However, they are cleverly structured with protruding and recessed elements. Balconies and loggias add further visual interest to the Haydnhof.
Now, you may wonder about the name. The Haydnhof gets its name from the nearby Haydnpark. This park was once the Hundsturmer Cemetery. Joseph Haydn was initially buried here. His gravestone now resides within the park. In 1926, the city established the Haydnpark on the grounds of the former Hundsturmer Cemetery. Shortly after, the city named the nearby residential complex after the composer. A plaque on Arndtstrasse commemorates this connection.
The Haydnhof has witnessed turbulent times. During the Austrian Civil War in February 1934, members of the Schutzbund occupied the building. From here, they fired at the police who were advancing on the Reumannhof across the street. The authorities responded forcefully. Heavily armed, they stormed the Haydnhof on the same day. Sporadic gunfire continued into the next morning.
Today, the Haydnhof stands as a testament to Vienna’s social housing initiatives. It is a reminder of a time of political and social upheaval. It also honors one of the greatest composers in history. As you stand here, consider the lives lived within these walls. Think of the music that may have echoed through the courtyards. The Haydnhof is more than just a building. It is a living piece of Vienna’s history.