Making classical-traditional architecture cool again
Showcasing the timeless beauty and relevance of the Viennese Secession style.
The Amery Residence project aims to breathe fresh life into classical-traditional architecture and showcase its relevance in today's modern world. This architectural design offers an alternative to minimalist trends, combining elegance, functionality, and timeless appeal. The unique concept, inspired by the 1900s architectural beauty of Budapest, is a testament to elegance of the Viennese Secession design style in present-day residential buildings.
In the following sections, I will be sharing insights into my design process, paying special attention to the elements of the Viennese Secession style that I incorporated into the building's design. I will discuss the history and the unique aspects of this style, that still captivate us even after a century. I will also explore how I've adapted these elements to align with contemporary living standards, demonstrated with the help of 3D visualizations.
We will explore the potential future of traditional architecture, considering its benefits and importance in modern cityscapes. Drawing upon real project examples from Berlin, I will show how this timeless architectural style could influence other cities with rich Art Nouveau heritage, like Vienna, Budapest, and Prague. The goal is not only to inspire the real estate developers of today and tomorrow but also to fuel a renewed appreciation for the timeless beauty of classical-traditional architecture in those who interact with the urban landscape every day.
Goals of the Amery Residence project
- Reviving the Viennese Secession design style in modern architecture
- Showcasing the vision through 3D visualizations, that ambitious architectural plans are feasible
- Offer a refreshing alternative from today's minimalism trend and to appreciate beauty in architecture
Inspiration Behind the Amery Residence
A Revolution in Architecture and Aesthetics from Vienna to Budapest and the meaning of Secession today
The Vienna Secession, a pivotal art movement that emerged in 1897, marked a dynamic shift in architecture and aesthetics, striving to diverge from traditional culture. Its origin in the Austrian capital introduced unique and expressive facade ornaments, such as ribbons cascading from discs, masks, wreaths, female figures, and flowers. The movement's leaders, Otto Wagner and Josef Maria Olbrich, made significant steps in invoking this unique architectural language, evident in the iconic Secession exhibition building designed by Olbrich in Vienna. The impact of the Vienna Secession extended beyond Austria's borders, influencing a generation of Hungarian architects. In the turn-of-the-century Budapest, a city characterized by its cultural diversity, architecture has evolved into a diverse fusion of styles with the Viennese Secession leaving a lasting impression. The works of Gyula Ullmann and Géza Aladár Kármán, who jointly operated an architectural office, most consistently represented this influence in Hungary. They carried the flame of the Viennese Secession into the heart of Budapest, integrating its characteristic aesthetics into the city's residential buildings.
In the 1900s, the term "Secession" signified a revolutionary movement in the world of architecture and aesthetic design. The architects (artists), driven by the desire for change and individuality, wanted to break away from the traditional and outdated aesthetic norms of the period. Their work was original and innovative, characterized by their use of expressive facade ornaments and unique architectural language. The Secession movement was a symbol of artistic liberation, marking a clear departure from past styles and setting the stage for the future of design.
Today, the term "Secession" refers to a revolutionary time in architectural history. It represents a style that is both classic and timeless, showcasing the enduring appeal of the Secession's distinctive aesthetic. In residential architecture, "Secession" inspires designs that stand out from the contemporary minimalist trend. It is about the revival of beautiful detailing, ornate aesthetics, and rich natural or historical references, blending them with modern sensibilities.
A Walk in Budapest - Where the Idea Was Born
The idea for the Amery Residence project was born during a stroll through the streets of Budapest, specifically around the Liberty Square. The architectural grandeur of the residential buildings in this area, with their classical-traditional language and ornate detailing, ignited a spark of inspiration. It was not just about replicating the aesthetic appeal of these buildings but translating them into a more modern context, aligning with contemporary living standards and make the concept feasible.
With a passion for realistic 3D architectural visualizations, my goal was to envision a mixed-use building that embodies this classical elegance in a moody, overcast setting. Two buildings, in particular, stood out, and they were later found to be the works of the renowned architectural duo, Géza Aladár Kármán & Gyula Ullmann. Their designs date back to 1900, a time when the Viennese Secession was still very fresh and had just made its way to Hungary. The buildings, located on two parallel streets adjoining the Liberty Square, became an inspiration for the Amery Residence project. My goal was to reflect the timeless charm and distinct style of these structures, while infusing modern elements into the design, paying homage to the past while embracing the future.
Hold Utca 6 & Szabadság Tér 11
The Amery Residence project drew inspiration from two iconic structures: the Wertheimer & Frankl House at Hold Utca 6 and the Ullmann House at Szabadság Tér 11, both designed by Kármán & Ullmann.
The Wertheimer & Frankl House is a mixed-use building from 1900, that caught my attention with its structure and metalwork. Steel pillars segmenting the ground and first floors, steel consoles supporting the balcony, and the canopy's metal framework gave the building a distinguished aesthetic appeal. The intricate wrought-iron railings, resembling lake seaweed, seamlessly blended nature into the urban environment.
The latter building, the Ullmann House, together with two other structures, formed a cohesive unit around Liberty Square. Built as an architect's personal investment, this house, completed in 1901, stood out with its symmetrical layout. A closed balcony that defined the center of the five-axis main façade, aligned with the two outer axes, and the attics that slightly protruded from the roofline created a balanced and imposing silhouette.
Both buildings, characterized by their distinct architecture and ornate details, served as the foundation for the Amery Residence, embodying the fusion of traditional architecture with modern elements. They inspired me with their timeless charm and elegance, setting a benchmark for my project.
Visualizing the Amery Residence
When the Viennese Secession Meets Contemporary Design
The 3D visualizations of the Amery Residence showcase the building's architecture and immerse the viewer in the overcast atmosphere. The building's façade, with its symmetrical layout and ornate details, echoes the aesthetic of the Ullmann House, while the building structure and steelwork were clearly inspired by the Wertheimer & Frankl House. The Amery Residence not only respects the original design language of Viennese Secession but also enhances it for modern living standards. The Art Nouveau elements contribute significantly to the building's elegance and uniqueness, without compromising on practicality.
The façade decorations of the Amery Residence draw direct inspiration from the original Karman & Ullmann design, but are reimagined in a more modern context. The white plaster facade, decorated with golden stucco details, and the vibrant teal ceramic tiles covering the loggias inspired by the original designs were carefully incorporated. The white plaster exterior, decorated with intricate golden stucco accents, and the vibrant teal green/blue ceramic tiles that cover the loggias, create a vivid and lively image.
Floor-to-ceiling windows have been incorporated to allow more natural light, replacing the smaller windows found in the buildings of Karman & Ullmann. Replacing traditional suspended corridors, two staircases have been introduced, enabling a more efficient flow of movement within the building. The building also stands as a testament to green living with a green rooftop and ivy gracing the sides of the building, providing a visual reminder to the natural ornamentation found in the original designs. The mixed-use purpose of the building accommodates the modern urban lifestyle, offering commercial spaces at the ground level, office spaces on the first floor, and residential spaces above. A garage has been designed underneath the building, with thoughtfully planned entrance and exit routes on either end of the corner building.
The Shift Towards Classical Architecture
Exploring the revival of traditional styles and their influence on modern designs in Berlin and beyond.
In the mid-20th century, classical architecture seemed like it would fade away, overshadowed by the modernism movement. But surprisingly, it made a comeback. From the 1960s onwards, elements of classical architecture like columns, moldings, and cornices were used in new and creative ways, giving rise to post-modern architecture. This style gained popularity in the 80s and 90s. While some architects referenced the past subtly, others designed buildings that echoed classical principles. This led to the contemporary classical architecture movement, which focuses on sustainability and adapting buildings to their local contexts. It includes not only strictly classical styles but also gothic, art nouveau, art deco, and other traditional architecture styles.
This movement gained traction in architecture schools and institutions worldwide, and prizes were established to promote it. Berlin, a city heavily damaged in World War II, is a perfect example of this resurgence. Berlin is now striving to define its architectural identity, respecting its heritage while meeting the needs of its modern inhabitants. Let's explore the works of notable architects and their buildings that represent this new wave of classical-traditional architecture in Berlin.
Examples from Patzschke Architekten & Sebastian Treese Architekten
Germany has seen a unique blend of neoclassical and contemporary architecture in recent decades. The iconic Hotel Adlon in Berlin is a prime example of this innovative mix. Built in 1997, it replaced the original hotel that was destroyed in a fire in 1945. The new design by Patzschke Architekten pays tribute to the classical architecture while embracing its late-20th-century origins. Despite initial controversy, this approach has been replicated in many buildings across the city.
Eisenzahnstrasse 1 is a residential masterpiece in Berlin, completed in 2016 by Sebastian Treese Architects. Inspired by 19th century Paris, this apartment building features a curved façade, full-height windows, and fine cornices. With its central entrance and timeless elegance, it enhances Berlin's architectural richness. The building seamlessly blends with its surroundings, offering 12 residences with spacious floor plans and a courtyard garden.
Influencing European Cities with Rich Architectural Heritage
As Berlin continues to successfully integrate traditional architectural styles into modern designs, it sets a compelling precedent for other European cities with rich architectural heritage. Cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Prague, where historical architecture is a fundamental part of their identity, could draw from Berlin's example to shape their own architectural narratives. This would represent a broader shift towards re-embracing classical architectural principles across Europe, ensuring that our architectural heritage continues to be a part of our future.
As architecture continues to evolve, it's essential to revive our appreciation for the timeless beauty of classical-traditional architecture and recognize its continued relevance in today's urban spaces. Building concepts of the future can indeed draw upon and fuse with classical design elements, as seen in projects like the "Alkotmány 27". This project involved the virtual reconstruction of a building in Budapest, where the potential of the building was shown through 3D visualizations.
Amery Digital is connecting past and future through timeless, classical-traditional designs, showcasing their modern relevance through 3D visualizations. If you're a real estate developer aspiring to bring your dream project to life, let's collaborate and turn your vision into a captivating reality through my expertise in 3D visualization.
