The phenomenon of Graz School: Architecture between emotions and rationalism

• Published in: Creating Through Mind and Emotions pp. 99 - 104
• Main Authors: Serafin, Aleksander, Pabich, Marek
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: CRC Press 2022
• Edition: 1
• Subjects: Alexius Meinong; Young Man; Viennese Bank; Contemporary Society; Vice Versa; Vito Acconci; Austria; Dense; Vilanova Artigas; Vaccine Hesitancy; Graz University; Cape Verdean; Expressive Trend; Opposite River Banks; Violated; Peter Cook; Blob Architecture; Mur River; Architecture; Graz; Kunsthaus Graz; Graphic Articulation; GS; Mur Island; Specific Cultural Event; Project; University; Underwater Pipes
• ISBN: 9780367279936; 9780367495381; 0367279932; 0367495384
• DOI: 10.1201/9780429299070-11

The chapter concerns the achievements of Graz School. The text deals with determining its importance in the context of cultural evolution. It turned out to be a phenomenon on a global scale at a particular time. Austrian representatives of this trend introduced an original route for the development of an architectural form. Finally, it turned away from both the established modernist dogma and postmodern scheme.The text explains the specificity of the buildings designed by Günther Domenig or Michael Szyszkowitz's and Karla Kowalski's team, and many other architects who found the courage to oppose the obviousness. However, it should also be noted that the Graz School was not a homogeneous phenomenon. For example, Klaus Kada and Volker Giencke introduced different scenarios, although they still meet the programmatic core of the Graz School. The diversity of attitudes is evident from the moment this architectural tendency emerged. It also has determined the reliability of the aesthetic program. Finally, it determines the fact that the Graz School balances between the emotional and the rational.Without a doubt, the Graz School managed to break a series of stereotypes that dominated the European architecture of a particular time. While this trend is associated with the city of Graz, its impact is not limited to the source location. The chapter explains the achievements of Graz School (GS) and its importance in the context of cultural evolution, which turned out to be a phenomenon on a global scale at a particular time. Austrian representatives of this trend introduced an original route for the development of an architectural form. The chapter also explains the specificity of the buildings designed by Gunther Domenig or Michael Szyszkowitz's and Karla Kowalski's team, and many other architects who found the courage to oppose the obviousness. Domenig remains the most important of the GS initiators. An analysis of his projects leads to the conclusion that the expressive trend was present in all his activities. An example of a building designed by Domenig in the city of Graz is the ReSoWi University Center. The architect implemented an extraordinary vision where a quasi-biological form pierced the regular shape. A building designed by two British architects has become a hallmark of international importance.