Austrian Postal Savings Bank, Art Nouveau bank building in Innere Stadt, Vienna, Austria
The Austrian Postal Savings Bank is an eight-story banking institution with a white marble facade and characteristic aluminum rivets that create a continuous grid pattern. The central hall features a glass floor that allows natural light to reach lower levels while serving as the main transaction area.
Otto Wagner designed this banking institution in 1904, implementing innovative construction techniques with reinforced concrete and aluminum. The building marked a turning point in Viennese architecture by visibly integrating technical progress into its outer form.
The building represents a break from traditional architecture, introducing modern design principles through its functional layout and material choices. The facade with its characteristic rivets still speaks today of the desire to make functionality visible.
The building is centrally located in Vienna and easily accessible by public transport from multiple directions. The interior is well-lit and offers clear access to different areas, with stairs and elevators easy to find.
The facade consists of around 40,000 bolted marble plates and aluminum decorations, making the exterior resemble a giant safe deposit box. This handcrafted detailing was a remarkable technical achievement for its time.
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