Sanatorium Purkersdorf  

A building at the outskirts of Vienna paved the way for modern architecture!

The most important work from the cubistic-geometric phase of the Viennese Jugendstil was this revolutionary building in its clear disposition and formal development and last but not least the simplicity of its construction.

 It was the first large commission for Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstaette and came about through the acquaintance of the architect with the art critic Berta Zuckerkandl.

She, as a supporter of the Secession and admirer of Josef Hoffmann recommended him to the builder, her brother in law Victor Zuckerkandl, an industrialist from Silesia.

Zuckerkandl purchased this area as a spa together with spa gardens which it was before in the 19th century when the so called "Laura-well" was developed by Dr. Löw.

Hoffmanns original plan showed that he was inclined to take more radical advantage of new construction techniques than was actually possible in practice. Decoration was used sparingly on the building. As with the outside so the inside is convincing with its simplicity of concept and execution.

Hoffmann made use of the most modern available techniques - reinforced concrete - when building the Sanatorium.

Decoration outside the building is extremely discreet.

Inside there are fascinating contrasts between the severity of the architecture and the more decorated interior. The intended purpose of the Sanatorium pulled for a level of hygienic sobriety which helped Hoffmann in his design.

Not only architectural importance and matters of art history has to be mentioned at this building, it was also a meeting point for the high society.

The Sanatorium was designed for a wealthy circle of patients, dedicated to the highest levels of comfort and luxury.

Up to the worldwide economic crisis in 1929 Purkersdorf was visited by upperclass clientele and intelligentsia: Mahler, Hoffmannsthal, Schönberg and Schnitzler were there, but also Indian Maharadschas and millionaires of dollars.

Against the will of Josef Hoffmann the building was raised by Leopold Bauer in 1926.

After the death of Victor Zuckerkandl in 1927, several relatives took over the Purkersdorf until to the occupation of the National Socialists when Jewish property was "arisiert".

After the war the building was used by the Russian forces as a military hospital.

In 1948 the refund to the owner was started. Fritz Zuckerkandl, Hermine Müller-Hofmann und Georg Jorisch got back the Sanatorium.

There was not so much left then. The voluminous collection of contemporary art was looted, a few paintings they received back - a Klimt was sold by Frith Zuckerkandl to the collector Rudolf Leopold for little money.

1952 the Austrian protestant church purchased the building and run a hospital, later a home for elderly people.

1975 they stopped activity, the building and the park was unused for many years.

The Sanatorium Purkersdorf has now been restored carefully, the 3rd floor is removed and after 25 years of devastation the opening as a home for elderly people took place 28th of May 2003.

WOKA LAMPS VIENNA produces handmade reproduction of the original lamps designed by Josef Hoffmann and executed by the Wiener Werkstaette for the most delicate areas in cooperation with the Austrian Institute for the preservation of historic buildings.

model in wood by Atelier Hnizdo  Foto: Karolinsky-Archive