The House of IndustryLate Historicism at its best: Information about the architectural features of the building, its inauguration, and links to photos.The House of Industry at Schwarzenbergplatz 4 in Vienna is one of the most outstanding examples of an architectural style called "Late Historicism". The Vienna "Ringstrasse", the magnificent ring road around the old city centre, had already been completed, when at the beginning of the 20th century the Vienna Urban Development Fund began to develop and sell the land outside the former circle of fortifications and the Wien River, a small river flowing through the city of Vienna. This late phase of Historicism was marked by architects Friedrich von Schmidt, Theophil von Hansen, Karl von Hasenauer, Heinrich von Ferstel and Karl König. The House of Industry Designed by architect Karl König, the House of Industry was built between 1906 and 1909. Monumental in character but dominated by clear linearity, the building is modelled on Roman-inspired 17th century Classicism. The plain, angular façade draws from elements of 19th century Historicism, but unlike the buildings set up along the Ringstrasse before the turn of the century, it has no ornamental sculptures. The House of Industry was one of Vienna's last squared-stone masonry buildings. Its façade is lined with Leitha sandstone from a quarry near Stotzing in Burgenland. Algal limestone from the Mannersdorf region as well as granite were used for the wall base. The roof was made of Eternit slabs, a new roofing product patented in 1901. The four-storey corner building is crowned by a huge, three-part attic with stone balustrades and cast zinc vases on both sides. The attic bears the inscription "Dedicated to Austria's Industry". Above the inscription, there is a huge stone cartouche, made from a 42 cubic metre block, with a relief of Hephaistos in a thinker's pose. Representing strength tamed by intelligence and made subservient to human civilization, the Greek god Hephaistos symbolizes industry. He excels in the art of forging, his masterpiece being the shield of Archilles. Inauguration The House of Industry was inaugurated by Emperor Francis Joseph on 25 March 1911. In the evening of that day, 500 guests - including representatives of the Imperial Court, the municipal administration, public authorities and industry - gathered in the staterooms of the new building to celebrate the occasion. Photos Search for "House of Industry" in the iv-net photo archives to see historical as well as present-day pictures. [ Andrea Gabmeyer ]
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