Demolition of the Pryssok House: Danger to Haerdtl's architectural heritage?

Demolition of the Pryssok House: Danger to Haerdtl's architectural heritage?

At Bastiengasse 69, an important architectural heritage designed by the renowned architect Oswald Haerdtl is in danger of falling victim to demolition. The “Pryssok House”, a two-story building from the 1950s, has increasingly faded from public view in recent years. The renovation is already planned for 2026, with a four-story residential complex being built. A “Bastiengasse 69 Projektentwicklung GmbH” has been registered in the company register for more than two years, which illustrates the urgency of the project. Mr. Z. has already expressed concerns and contacted the Federal Monuments Office to ensure the preservation of the house. It is currently unclear whether the demolition will be carried out before the monument protection review is completed. The audits could not be completed until next October, following an initial preliminary audit in 2023 which found the building could be considered potentially significant. These uncertainties give many hope that the listed heritage can still be saved.

But who was this Oswald Haerdtl anyway? Born on May 17, 1899 in Vienna, he left a lasting impression on the architectural history of Austria. After graduating from the Vienna School of Applied Arts in 1921, Haerdtl focused on modernization and functionality. His work includes important buildings such as the Historical Museum of the City of Vienna, which opened in 1959, and other impressive projects such as the Tanzcafe Volksgarten and the Espresso Arabia. In addition to numerous awards, including the Austrian State Prize for Architecture, Haerdtl was also a member of the Secession. His talent and innovative strength have had a lasting impact on architecture in Vienna, and his works are now listed as historical monuments. Despite these honors, the fate of “House Pryssok” cannot and should not go unnoticed.

A legacy in danger

The bigger picture that emerges here sheds light on the challenges faced by many listed buildings in Vienna. The monument protection for the Vienna Museum on Karlsplatz, also designed by Haerdtl, protects not only the overall structure, but also various design features. The protection applies, among other things, to the foyer and the staircase. Interestingly, facade panels from the 1980s were demolished even though they were not the originals. The restoration process, led by Christoph Melichar, shows how carefully Haerdtl's legacy is handled. Melichar's job is to document and restore original parts so that they can be reinstalled during extensive conversions and renovations.

A look at the current situation surrounding the “Pryssok House” shows how important it is to pay attention to the preservation of historical assets even today. It is essential to include the views of residents and experts in the discussion. Demolition without thorough examination and discussion would not only result in the loss of the work of a great architect, but also a piece of Vienna's history. The required monument protection could make an important contribution to preserving this valuable architecture and thus also protecting the city's rich heritage.

As this year's Monument Day slowly approaches at the end of September, the question remains whether the “Pryssok House” will still be standing by then. The city and its residents are looking forward to the developments of the next few months and hope that the preservation of cultural heritage is a top priority. Because as the saying goes: If you don't value the past, you'll have difficulty shaping the future.