In my work, I explore Vienna's municipal housing through the architecture of Red Vienna (1918–1934). This housing is captivating due to its recurring design and socially-oriented structure. Stylistically, Red Vienna is reflected in its color schemes, creating a visual connection between the buildings. The images are captured at night, when the interiors are illuminated. The emitted light creates an interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces, highlighting the threshold between public and private life.
The municipal housing symbolizes protection and serves as a place of gathering, incorporating kindergartens, laundries, recreational, and event facilities. In my examination of municipal housing, particularly the interwar buildings, I view them as a kind of microcosm where life unfolds like in a castle or fortress. The buildings are characterized by their size and massive construction, featuring courtyards, archways, fountains, balconies, and decorations, evoking the castle-like character of a closed, secure, and social living environment. The municipal housing demonstrates its impact especially during times of inflation and housing shortages by providing affordable and long-term housing to a quarter of Vienna's population. Approximately 220,000 apartments are distributed across over 1,800 municipal buildings integrated into all municipal districts, contributing to visible diversity.
This series was created as part of the cooperative project "WIE WIR (NICHT) LEBEN" with Arbeiterkammer Vienna.
As part of the eponymous urban exhibition, which was on view from June 26 to September 1, 2024, at various locations across Vienna, MY HOUSE, MY CASTLE was presented at the billboards in front of the Angewandte, Oskar-Kokoschka-Platz 2 in 1010 Vienna.
