Designed by Otto Wagner’s student, Rudolf Perco, what echoes of “Red Vienna” do you think linger within these walls? The Wohnhausanlage Engelsplatz, also known as Engelsplatzhof, stands as a testament to Vienna’s ambitious social housing projects. It is located in the 20th district, Brigittenau. This monumental complex reveals a fascinating chapter in the city’s history.
Let’s delve into the story of this remarkable place. The Wohnhausanlage Engelsplatz is second in size only to Sandleitenhof in Ottakring. It represents the “Red Vienna” era. The era refers to the period between 1918 and 1934 when the Social Democratic Workers’ Party of Austria heavily influenced Vienna.
Conceived by Rudolf Perco, a student of the renowned Otto Wagner, the Wohnhausanlage Engelsplatz was constructed between 1930 and 1933. It provided 1,467 apartments. The complex also included a kindergarten, post office, pharmacy and bathing facilities. There was also a laundry, a local political office, a restaurant, and small shops.
During the Austrian Civil War in February 1934, the Engelsplatz became a strategic stronghold. It was quickly occupied by the police. Leading members of the Schutzbund, a paramilitary wing of the Social Democratic Party, were arrested. They knew the locations of weapon caches within the complex. After the Vaterländische Front seized power in 1934, a church was established within the building.
The Wohnhausanlage Engelsplatz occupies the north side of Friedrich-Engels-Platz. It is bordered by Forsthausgasse, Leystraße, Aignerstraße and Wehlistraße. The Friedrich-Engels-Platz extends into the complex. Together with Kapaunplatz, it forms an axis dividing the complex into two courtyards. The western courtyard is completely enclosed. The eastern courtyard opens towards Wehlistraße.
Originally, Perco’s design envisioned the Kapaunplatz as the central point. It would have four interconnected courtyards. This central courtyard would connect to Engelsplatz through two seven-story corner buildings. A square forecourt, the Ehrenhof, would have been included. The initial plans included 2,300 apartments. Ultimately, only 1,467 were built due to the economic crisis and the February 1934 conflicts. The Friedrich-Engels-Platz complex was intended to house approximately 10,000 residents. This would have made it the largest residential building in the world at the time.
The complex showcases various artistic elements. The portal has two corner buildings and tall flagpoles. Mario Petrucci designed animal depictions and mosaics around 1953. These mosaics depict fish and forest animals. They pay homage to Brigittenau’s former hunting grounds. At the corner of Wehli Straße, a monument to Gregor Mendel stands. Petrucci created it in 1952.
Behind the passage from Friedrich-Engels-Platz to Kapaunplatz stand the larger-than-life stone sculptures “Schreitender Mann und Schreitende Frau”. Karl Stemolak created them in 1932. The laundry facility features a monumental chimney with a clock. Balcony and gate railings feature small constructivist details.
The Friedrich-Engels-Platz complex has many sculptures, artistic signs and monuments. The artwork is publicly accessible. It enhances the area and brings variety to the cityscape.
The Wohnhausanlage Engelsplatz stands not just as a residential complex. It embodies the social and artistic vision of an era. It invites us to reflect on Vienna’s past. It asks how urban design can shape community and identity.