| The Purkersdorf Sanatorium
Wienerstraße 64
3002 Purkersdorf bei Wien The Purkersdorf Sanatorium was built 1904/05 by architect Josef Hoffmann, a disciple of Otto Wagner, the founder of modern architecture in Austria. It is an example of architecture from the Vienna Secession and paved the way for modern architecture. Being the most important work of the cubistic-geometric phase of the Viennese Jugendstil this building was revolutionary in its clear disposition and formal development and last but not least the simplicity of its construction. Hoffmann made use of the most modern available techniques - reinforced concrete - when building the Sanatorium. It was the first large commission for Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstaette artisan's group, and came about through the acquaintance of the architect with the art critic Berta Zuckerkandl. She, as a supporter of the Secession and admirer of Josef Hoffmann recommended him to the builder, her brother in law Victor Zuckerkandl, who purchased this area as a spa together with spa gardens which it was before in the 19th century when the so called "Laura-well" was found. Decoration outside the building is extremely discreet. Inside there are fascinating contrasts between the severity of the architecture and the more decorated interior. The intended purpose of the Sanatorium pulled for a level of hygienic sobriety which helped Hoffmann in his design. The black and white colour scheme and quadratic motifs were a continuum throughout the foyer of Hoffmann’s Purkersdorf sanatorium, including chairs and tables. Reprodactions are made by Wittmann furniture in Austria.  |  | | Foyer | Not only architectural importance and matters of art history has to be mentioned at this building, it was also a meeting point for the high society. The Sanatorium was designed for a wealthy circle of patients, dedicated to the highest levels of comfort and luxury. Up to the worldwide economic crisis in 1929 Purkersdorf was visited by upperclass clientele and intelligentsia: Gustav Mahler, Hugo von Hoffmannsthal, Arnold Schönberg and Arthur Schnitzler were there, but also Indian Maharadschas and millionaires of dollars. Against the will of Josef Hoffmann the building was raised by Leopold Bauer
in 1926. After the death of Victor Zuckerkandl in 1927, several relatives took over the Sanatorium Purkersdorf until to the occupation of the Nationalsocialists when Jewish property was "aryanysed". After World War II the building was used by the Russian forces as a military hospital. 1952 the Austrian protestant church purchased the building and run a hospital, later a home for elderly people. 1975 they stopped activity, the building and the park was unused for many years. The Sanatorium Purkersdorf has now been restored carefully, the 3rd floor is removed and the opening as an old people's home took place in May 2003. Woka Lamps in Vienna produced reproductions of the original lamps designed by Josef Hoffmann and executed by the Wiener Werkstaette for the most delicate areas.(Karolinsky Archive) | 
