The House of Industry
The House of Industry on Schwarzenbergplatz 4 in Vienna is one of the most outstanding examples of an architectural style called "Late Historicism". The building is located next to the Vienna "Ringstrasse", the magnificent ring road around the old city centre. The Vienna Urban Development Fund began to sell the land outside the Ringstrasse and the river "Wien" around the beginning of the 20th century, shortly after the street had been completed.
This late phase of Historicism was marked by architects such as Friedrich von Schmidt, Theophil von Hansen, Karl von Hasenauer, Heinrich von Ferstel and Karl König.
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 facade with stone balustrades and cast zinc vases on both sides. The facade bears the inscription "Dedicated to Austria's Industry". There is a huge stone cartouche above the inscription. It is made from a 42 cubic metre block and shows a relief of Hephaestus in a thinker's pose.
Representing strength paired with intelligence, the Greek god Hephaestus is a symbol of industry and the only god who was also a craftsman. A skilled blacksmith, he served human civilisation with his creations, one of his masterpieces being the arms of Achilles. He is a symbol of industry.
The House of Industry was inaugurated by Emperor Franz 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 state rooms of the new building to celebrate the occasion.
