Landscape Architecture in Austria between 1912 and 1945

The aim of the proposed research project is to outline and analyze the development of landscape architecture in Austria in structure, form, and content between 1912 and 1945. The foundation of the first professional association of garden and landscape architects in 1912 was a great step towards establishing the profession in Austria. Since then the profession has changed constantly according to political, social, and cultural conditions. These changes had great impact on the approach and understanding of design and planning, on tasks, clients, and on the structure of organization. So far, barely any research has continuously followed this process. Within this innovative project, we intend to fill this gap, looking at a period of such relevance for the profession in Austria. We do especially expect new conclusions about the changes in professional training, in the structure of the associations, the work and tasks of garden and landscape architects, and the planning approach. The research project will also enlighten the interrelation and cooperation between landscape architecture, architecture, and arts. All current planning tasks deal with sites that have been transformed over and over again by different prevailing trends in planning and design. A forward-looking and innovative preoccupation with open spaces requires a reflected application of planning approaches and instruments. Clearing the professional history will help to understand the status quo and to cope with further challenges. The results will be of great importance for the scientific community, for the academic training, and for landscape architects in general. The project is based on an comprehensive survey of professional journals, a systematic review of inscription and membership lists, and expert interviews. Within that, research and analysis focus on the following main questions: How did the professional training change during the first half of the 20th century? Which role did associations and organizations play in establishing the profession? What kind of influence did political and ideological processes have on the understanding of the profession, their representatives and organizations? Did the profession develop constantly or can critical points be marked? How did the position of garden and landscape architects change in relation to architecture, urban planning, and art?

For the first time, this FWF-research project analyzed the contents, ideologies, and ideas, which influenced landscape architecture of the early 20th century. Besides, we explored the reception of landscape architecture in historic professional and non-professional media. A database was installed and filled with biographies, projects, works, and publications. So far, this database lists more than 400 individuals involved in garden architecture and gardening during the first half of the 20th century. The history of Landscape Architecture in Austria had barely been documented before. In 1912, the VÖGA Vereinigung Österreichischer Gartenarchitekten was founded. It was the visible starting point of the professionalization of garden and landscape architecture in Austria, which was systematically analyzed in cultural and historical context within this project. Research questions focused on training, organization, ethics, and planning tasks as well as gender issues and relations to architecture and arts. A special emphasis was put on biographies and on the contribution of Jewish women garden architects to the profession. Knowledge and data serve as basis for further research on more specific issues. The project is part of a research focus at the ILA Institute of Landscape Architecture of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, dealing with the regional history of constructed landscape. In addition, the ILA runs the LARCHIV Archive of Austrian Garden and Landscape Architecture and analyzes estates of Austrian garden and landscape architects. In the FWF-project international and interdisciplinary experience was exchanged. Since gardens and open spaces are closely related to architecture and are documented through their historic and typological analysis, architectural history is an essential transdisciplinary partner within this research. The international placement is indispensable for the deep understanding of trends and changes, even more since biographies are often international.