When exploring architectural designs, various elements come into play—symmetry, unity, harmony, lines, and planes, to name a few. Buildings are crafted with principles that consider comfort, safety, and environmental responsibility. Architects follow a vision, adhering to guidelines while exploring creative possibilities to design functional, user-friendly structures.
However, Friedensreich Hundertwasser defies the conventional definition of an architect. Born in Austria and later becoming a New Zealand citizen, Hundertwasser was first and foremost an artist before stepping into the realm of architecture. His journey began with painting, visual arts, and design, where he contributed to applied arts, creating flags, stamps, coins, and posters. Entering the world of architecture in the 1950s at 55, Hundertwasser brought a unique perspective that fused nature with human forms. This fusion resulted in the biophilic design approach that reflected his creativity and broader understanding of his artistic and architectural vision.
Back to the Time
Friedrich Stowasser, better known by his pseudonym Friedensreich Regentag Dunkelbunt Hundertwasser, was an Austrian visual artist and architect who worked in the field of environmental protection. The Nazi era was a very difficult time for Hundertwasser and his mother Elsa, who were Jewish. To avoid persecution, they concealed their identity by posing as Christians, a deception made possible by Hundertwasser’s late father, who had been Catholic.
From an early age, Hundertwasser showed a talent for art. After World War II, he briefly attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, but soon after, he began signing his work as Hundertwasser rather than Stowasser. He eventually left the academy to travel, always carrying a small set of paints to capture whatever inspired him. In the early 1950s, Hundertwasser expanded his artistic exploration into architecture, treating it as a three-dimensional canvas, incorporating architectural elements into his unique vision.
Artistic Approach and Style
Hundertwasser developed an aesthetic that is often likened to Antoni Gaudi, as they both favoured irregular forms and organic shapes. He was known as “the doctor of architecture” as he often “treated” new and old buildings by decorating them to diminish their “visual pollution” on the environment.
He stood out as a vocal critic of straight lines and standardisation, a philosophy he applied to his building designs. His style is characterised by the bold use of bright colours, organic shapes, a deep connection between humans and nature, and a strong sense of individualism that rejects rigid, linear forms.
Every piece he touched is instantly recognizable as Hundertwasser’s work, distinguished by its uniqueness, vibrant colours, dynamic rhythm, and the fluidity of natural forms. His artistic vision was not confined to two-dimensional surfaces; it extended into the third dimension, influencing the creation of spaces and buildings that embody his distinctive style.
Hundertwasser ventured into the field of architecture, bringing with him his unique approach to space design and visualisation. He infused his architectural work with free-flowing forms and bold, bright colours, staying true to his artistic style. Hundertwasser redefined space design through his philosophy, challenging the conventional use of straight lines and drawing inspiration from nature to create buildings that felt more connected to human beings.
His dynamic forms harmoniously blended with their natural surroundings, and his commitment to environmental protection was evident in his designs. The spaces he created were not only exceptional and distinct but also carried their own identity, defined by a playful interaction of colours, lines, shapes, and forms.
Project Highlights
A range of spaces shaped by Hundertwasser’s artistic vision has become an integral part of our urban landscape. He designed numerous bold and uniquely expressive buildings.
At the inauguration of the Hundertwasser House in Vienna in 1986, he remarked: “We are at a turning point, where old and rigid architectural values are being increasingly questioned. The straightness and uniformity of Bauhaus architecture is coming to an end because it is callous, sterile, cold, heartless, aggressive, and emotionless. The era of absolute rationalism is drawing to a close. The new values focus on improving quality of life, not just the standard of living. People are yearning for romance, individuality, creativity, and living in harmony with nature.”
One of his most iconic works, the Hundertwasserhaus apartment block in Vienna, Austria, features undulating floors, a roof covered in earth and grass, and large trees growing from within the rooms, with their branches extending out of the building. This apartment block serves as a landmark and is widely considered an example of expressionist architecture.
KunstHausWien houses the permanent collection of Hundertwasser’s works. It is a museum located in Vienna, Austria, and is itself his work of art designed in his signature style featuring wavy, undulating floors and a deliberate avoidance of straight lines. Vibrant, bold colours are used throughout, and the structure is adorned with abundant greenery.
To keep the interiors filled with natural light, Hundertwasser, known for his fondness for sunlight and windows, incorporated a glass facade at the front. The exterior is further embellished with enamel and checkerboard mosaics, creating a visually striking, harmonious blend of art and architecture.
Waldspirale is a residential building complex located in Germany, known for its distinctive U-shaped structure that breaks away from conventional design grids. The windows, a central feature of the building, appear to “dance out of line,” as Hundertwasser described it. The building shows a character of individuality due to the uniqueness of each of the 1,000 windows.
The building features a diagonal roof planted with grass, shrubs, flowers, and trees, seamlessly integrating nature into the architecture. In typical Hundertwasser fashion, trees also appear to grow from the windows. Another notable element of the design is the use of gilded onion domes, a characteristic feature in the domes of churches in Russia, Ukraine, and Bavaria, named for their onion-like shape.
Philosophy
Hundertwasser was a vocal opponent of totalitarian thinking, addressing critical issues such as nuclear energy, genetic manipulation, environmental protection, and the design of living spaces. He lived in alignment with his beliefs, resisting the contradictions of post-industrial society. The significance of Hundertwasser lies in his art, which conveys a message of natural harmony, peace, and joy, creating beauty that inspires and uplifts.
In addition to being an artist and architect, Hundertwasser actively engaged with nature and championed environmental awareness. He organised demonstrations, delivered speeches, and conducted campaigns focused on ecological issues, advocating for a life in harmony with the natural world. His manifestos promoted humane architecture and aimed to enhance people’s lives.
The architectural industry is a world of wonders, blending art and design to create social, cultural, and healthy spaces that boost human productivity and improve the quality of life. Friedensreich Hundertwasser was an inspiration, not just because of the introduction of artistic designs and aesthetics in buildings, but also due to the courage and confidence with which he stepped into the industry. He followed his instincts and embraced a free-spirited philosophy.
As an artist who thought beyond conventional boundaries, Hundertwasser defied prevailing trends. While the world adhered to uniform aesthetics and rigid lines, he embraced organic forms. He believed that human suffering stemmed from rational, sterile, and monotonous architecture. Deeply committed to creating designs in harmony with nature and the environment, his art and architecture serve as a lasting inspiration and a journey well worth exploring. His work beautifully blended artistic expression with architectural innovation, leaving a lasting impact on both fields.
Citation:
- Google Arts & Culture. (n.d.). Explore The Inventive Architecture of Friedensreich Hundertwasser. [online] Available at: https://artsandculture.google.com/story/explore-the-inventive-architecture-of-Friedensreich-hundertwasser/3gWx7Wb_9jLzJw?hl=en.
- Wikipedia. (2020). Friedensreichs Hundertwasser. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedensreich_Hundertwasser.
- ars mundi. (2021). Friedensreich Hundertwasser – Discover Works. [online] Available at: https://www.arsmundi.de/en/artists/hundertwasser-Friedensreich/ [Accessed 29 Sep. 2024].
