This afternoon Ellen and I ventured out again to meet up with the BA2 group. We met the group at the Gastometers; these are four former gas tanks each with a 90,000m³ storage capacity erected as part of the old Vienna Vienna
The first by Jean Nouvel, the second by Coop Himmelblau, the third by Manfred Wehdorn and fourth Wilhelm Holzbauer. The external works had to maintain the existing structures but internally have a range of living, office, entertainment and shopping facilities. The scheme was completed around 2001.
A view of the preserved exterior of 'Gasometers A & B'
I was amazed at the scale of the Gastometers from the exterior and very impressed by the renovation of the old brickwork and detailing, but to be honest I was disappointed with the interior works. The most successful in my opinion was Jean Nouvel’s conversion but the others seemed to lack the quality finishes and the delicate balance that you would expect between old and new; on what has the potential to be a really special scheme.
Jean Novel's retail scheme at 'Gasometer A'
Greg, Steve, Ellen and Lynn sitting down for a coffee in 'Gasometer A'
The group split for the afternoon and Ellen, Steve and I decided to head back to the centre of town. We enjoyed walking around the bustling ‘Naschmarkt’ where a variety of goods were being sold; we then decided to go and explore the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. I wanted to see if there were possibly any courses that I could take at this university as in Austria Vienna
Our next stop was the Adolf Loos American Bar. This was my second visit (see 23.02.11) but once again I found myself sinking into my surroundings and finding new details that I had not noticed before. The tiny bar and dark smokey atmosphere is so unique that none of us could think of a place that we could compare it to. We then bumped into a group of the BA2’s who had just been to the Jean Nouvel ‘Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom-Stilwerk’ building. We were set for our next destination.
We approached the building, now glowing in the dark, from across the canal. The 5-star hotel also boasts conference rooms, a fitness club, retail center and a restaurant with a panoramic view of the city from the 18th floor. We entered into a dark lift lit only from the ceiling; the mood was being set for when we stepped out on the top floor.
Approaching Jean Nouvel's ‘Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom-Stilwerk’ building
The view was breathtaking. We could map the city from its glowing landmarks and on such a clear night could see the rising landscape in the distance. The hills were a perfect backdrop to the stunning city now twinkling with lights. The impressive double height back-lit ceiling reflected on the glass creating a seemingly endless pattern reaching out over Vienna
The seemingly endless view from the 18th floor
The bar area was filled with beautifully dressed professionals and had a genuinely exclusive atmosphere, with exceptional views all around. My eyes were constantly being drawn out into the distance and it was a pleasure to see and understand Vienna
None of us wanted to leave but we decided to explore the rest of the building. In true architectural student style we tried to go to the ‘restricted’ floors but did not manage as key cards were needed. We did explore every inch of the public zones within the building; we were drawn into the following and shifting lines, illuminated detailing and reflective surfaces. I had previously been critical of some of Jean Nouvel’s works; especially the recently completed ‘One New Change’ by St.Paul’s Cathedral in London Vienna
The evening ended with dinner and a bottle of wine as we reflected on the variety of places we visited. A fantastic day spent with brilliant company. This was definitely one of my favourite days in Vienna
