Encyclopedia of Architects, Vienna 1770-1880

Building on the successful compilation of the first phase of the dictionary of architects (Wiener Architektenlexikon 1880-1945), the period covered is being extended to include architects working in Vienna between 1770 and 1880. Just as the Wiener Architektenlexikon 1880-1945 provides essential details for further analysis and scholarly work, this second project is also intended to cast light on the architecture of the 19th century, pursuing the themes raised, consolidating and adding differentiation to them. The architects active in Vienna prior to 1880 have still not yet been systematically included in any form of dictionary. The extreme paucity of reliable research into this period is now being significantly redressed in the field of architecture before 1880. Although a few individual architects have been treated in monographs the focus of interest is mainly on a small minority of prominent architects during the Ringstrasse era. If, however, one is looking for information on a less prominent architect then the only major source available is the dictionary of artists published in 37 volumes from 1907 by Thieme-Becker (Allg. Lexikon der bild. Künstler). As useful as this undertaking remains, the index has gaps based on what was known at the time, and a number of entries are quite simply inaccurate. This notwithstanding, the information provided in this reference work is still relied upon today in fundamental contexts, which means that existing errors and imprecise details are constantly being reproduced. The Wiener Architektenlexikon 1770-1880 project accordingly aims both to correct existing errors while also, and primarily, including architects not previously taken into consideration in reference works. The period it covers has been fixed from 1770 to 1880. Envisaged is a dictionary of architects encompassing approximately 340 entries. It is to include all of the architects who managed to complete a number of projects in Vienna, or at least one monumental public building, but also those architects who were influential in otherways, e.g. as educators or theorists. As well as each architect`s biographical details, it will also include details of their training, field of work or the influence they exercised in an architectural context, and brief characterisations of their individual stylistic approaches. Basic architectural hypotheses that had a decisive influence on the approaches taken or that were given special attention by specialists of the time are included too. In addition, the dictionary is to provide details of major buildings and unrealised projects of significance. These entries are to be supplemented by a bibliography containing both key source material as well as selected secondary literature. The findings of the research are regularly added to an online database where they are accessible free of charge.

Now available for the first time, the Architektenlexikon Wien 1770-1880, an encyclopaedia of Viennese architects, covers this extremely significant period in the history of building in Vienna. The entries contain biographical details, as well as taking into consideration criteria of architectural aesthetics, theory and history, the context of urban development and critical stylistic analysis. The entries in the encyclopaedia include key biographical details and lists of works, bibliographies etc., as well as comprehensive coverage of the architects' careers along with a stylistic analysis of each work. The Lexicon of Architects supports research work with the following features: The inclusion of individual architects whose careers have not previously been documented. Comprehensive documentation of architects who are only sparsely covered in the encyclopaedias and reference books currently available. The correction of false attributions and misconceptions. The correction of erroneous details repeated in reference books and other sources because different architects shared the same name. The clarification of authorship for around 300 objects, in particular apartment and commercial buildings and villas where the architect was previously unknown, or that have been falsely attributed. Since March 2011 the finalised entries in the encyclopaedia have been available to users free of charge on the Architekturzentrum Wien website (www.azw.at or www.architektenlexikon.at). This coverage includes an index of relevant archives as well as extensive bibliographies. 315 completed entries were already included in the existing Architektenlexikon Wien 1880-1945, so that now the architects active in Vienna between 1770 and 1945 are comprehensively documented in 1012 entries. As the product of intensive work in archives and with source material as well as the comprehensive appraisal of existing research findings, the Architektenlexikon Wien provides architecture theorists, cultural historians as well as architects, scientists and academics from adjacent disciplines with fundamental information and a reliable basis for deeper analysis. As an online publication, the clear structure and ease of accessibility of the Architektenlexikon Wien is also designed to appeal to circles beyond those of the abovementioned specialists. Furthermore, the information published online can be regularly updated by experts on an ongoing basis.