Café Atelier
Vienna, Austria
Hans Hollein, Architect

Excavating layers of the past in a Vienna museum café

© Studio Hollein/ Arch. Sina Baniahmad

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Housed in a baroque palace located on the former ramparts of Vienna, the Albertina is the world’s most important graphics collection, home to masterworks spanning several centuries. Heavily damaged during World War II, the structure subsequently underwent a superficial restoration and remodel. However, recent efforts have restored the palace to its original splendor. This involved reopening the old main entrance, which sits on top of the fort high above street level, and required the creation of a special access to connect the foyer level with the square below. The architects proposed a giant signalling cantilevered roof with escalators and an elevator occupying the old ramparts. Clearing a large void filled with remnants of the destroyed parts created a 25-foot-high space, revealing the massive foundation walls of the old palace. This impressive volume was consequently used for a 1,300-square-foot café/bar.

The café’s design creates a space of tension between different elements and materials in a dialectic dialogue. Juxtaposing the exposed roughness of the foundation wall with a screen of rusted steel underscores the layers of history and intervention on the site. Cantilevered elements extend into the interior, with one serving as a platform for the DJ. While a backlit glass wall (with changing light effects) encloses the rear of the space, another transparent wall opens up into the entrance foyer on street level. The architects also paid special attention to materials, fixtures, and furniture. The oak plank floor complements a specially designed contemporary version of the obligatory chandelier. Every piece of furniture but the chairs are custom made.

Formal name of Project:
Café Atelier

Location:
Vienna, Austria

Gross square footage:
1,300 sq. ft.

Owner:
Josef Bitzinger

Architect:
Hans Hollein, Architect
A-1040 Vienna, Argentinierstr. 36
phone: +431-505 51 96
fax: +431-505 88 94