Comments on: On the City Pattern Project: The Secession Building

By: Jeff Guard

Jeff Guard — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:53:17 +0000

what a unique gorgeous structure. This is the kind of architecture i can fall in love with. It’s story is still being told, it’s magic still intrigues. I like the fact that it lacks many windows. LOVE the golden leaves forming an orb; that’s the kind of office i’m talking about! lol. it makes me ache, i want once again live in a world where we experiment with space like this…

As for the secession building-wahi style…the peep hole on the door appears to be raised quite high. I’m no mini, but i’d still need a booster box to use it…lol.

By: The Gay Recluse

The Gay Recluse — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:25:21 +0000

Thanks for the comments, guys! Yes the photos are all mine (as if I would purchase photos — really now, lol) and the translation is: “To every age its art, to art its freedom.” Jim, I think Klimpt was influential but I think he was also influenced, sort of like that whole Picasso/Braques thing…

By: James van Maanen

James van Maanen — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:27:40 +0000

Wow — I had never even heard of this edifice. What a delight to see it — and so beautifully photographed, too (did you take the pix or purchase them?)! Two thoughts occur: “They hoped to create a new style that owed nothing to historical influence.” Well, there ain’t nuttin’ that owes nuttin’ to historical influence. Even their “reaction” is owed to historical influence, or the artists would not be reacting. Plus, I’ll bet art historians can find all sorts of links from the old style to the new. “We’re all connected” as someone (was it the phone company?) used to tell us. Secondly, is it just me, or does Klimt’s work seem to take precedence over eveyone else’s here? Maybe it’s because his name and style have become and remained more known than most of the others connected to the project. Whatever – this was a real treat, Mr. Matt! (But, no, I think perhaps your new-style hovel will not last quite so long nor be remarked upon in decades to come.)

By: c.

c. — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 07:11:04 +0000

I’ve always been fascinated by this edifice, and love it more with the passing years. It celebrates modernism without sacrificing craft or respectful regard for the natural world, and foreshadows Wright, Deco, Biba, and other 20th-century goodies. Thanks so much for the first-hand images. (Are there more posted anywhere?)

(Do you know what the words below the dome read?)

As for your NY version: perhaps sometimes a decent budget, in addition to vision, is necessary, in order to contribute to posterity. However, the structure does seem as reflective of modern-American culture right now, as the Secessionist building was of its moment.