Hans Hollein Architecture – Standing Tall and Proud
Standing tall and proud, great architecture can speak a thousand words to those passing by. And that is exactly what Hans Hollein strives to achieve in each masterpiece he designs.
Hans Hollein entered the world on March 30, 1934 within the beautiful city of Vienna. Little did his parents know that one day Hollein would achieve such success in the world of architecture. Although it has not been stated, one can assume his interest and desire in building started at a young age while playing with friends in Vienna.
To pursue his desire to build, Hans Hollein attended the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1959 and then decided to continue his education at the University of California in 1960. After the long classes and hard work, Hollein graduated and then began working between agencies in the United States and Sweden.
In order to give back to those who helped provide him the education that would someday sky-rocket his career, Hans Hollein accepted an invitation in 1963 to become a guest professor at the Washington University in St. Louis. His teaching experience continued throughout the year of 1963 and concluded in 1964.
In 1964, Hans Hollein traveled back to his hometown in Vienna to establish his own agency. This venture gave him the boost into becoming a well-known architecture designer. Hans Hollein's first architecture design within his agency was the Retti Candle Shop located in Vienna. This project began in 1964 and concluded in 1965.
After the completion of the Retti Candle Shop, Hans Hollein returned to teaching in 1967 and became a Professor at the Academy of Fine Arts located in Düsseldorf. Hollein continued to teach at the academy until 1976. After leaving the Academy of Fine Arts, he became a Professor at Universität für angewandte Kunst in 1976, which is located in Vienna.
However, during his time at the Academy of Fine Arts, Hans Hollein continued to work with his agency and was able to complete the Schullin Jewelry Shop as well as begin working on his next project, the Abteiberg Museum Mönchengladbah. The Abteiberg Museum Mönchengladbah was finally completed in 1982.
Hans Hollein's work has not gone unrecognized. In 1966, Hollein won his first architecture award which was the Reynolds Memorial Award. He also won the same award in 1984.
In 1985, Hans Hollein added the Pritzker Prize to his growing list of awards and recognitions. According to the world of architecture, this award is one of the most prized and desired awards available for this career. According to the Pritzker Prize committee, this award is to honor and recognize “a living architect whose built work demonstrates a combination of those qualities of talent, vision and commitment, which has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture.” Hans Hollein proved to be exactly what the committee was looking for.
Among the Pritzker Prize, Hans Hollein also won the Großer Österreichischer Staatspreis in 1983, Österreichisches Ehrenzeichen für Wissenschaft und Kunst in 1990, and the Ehrenmedaille der Bundeshauptstadt Wien in Gold.
Among Hans Hollein's vast array of modern designs, there is one that projects beauty as well as provide reason for controversy. The Haas-Haus stands proudly in the heart of the city of its beloved designer and is a glistening force with glass exterior. However, those who are reluctant to change in the city have offered negative opinions regarding this structure.
The main reason for the controversy is the building Hans Hollein designed sits directly in front of the famous Stephansdom Cathedral. Many believe the unique and modern style of the Haas-Haus degrades the historic cathedral. Yet, just like it has lasted through storms and wind, the Haas-Haus that Hans Hollein designed will last through the controversy.
Hans Hollein has proved to be a valuable asset to the architecture world. Although he was born and raised in Vienna, he has established roots in other countries around the world such as the United States. His students will tell you, the gift of knowledge from someone who has proved beauty can be manipulated into all forms of design is a great gift. That is what Hans Hollein has given the world – a great gift that will be honored and adored for years to come.
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