Wagner, Otto, 1841-1918

Austrian architect.

From the description of Otto Wagner Correspondence, 1885-1917. (Getty Research Institute). WorldCat record id: 84548434

Biographical/Historical Note

Otto Wagner, known as the father of Vienna architects, was an architect, writer and teacher, whose followers included Josef Hoffman and J. M. Olbrich. Wagner studied architecture at the Vienna Polytechnic School (1857-1859) and the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna (1861-1863). His writings include Moderne Architektur (1895) and his (nearly utopian) work on urban design, Die Grosstadt (1911). Wagner's architectural designs mark the change from the historical styles of the 19th century (in Wagner's early designs this meant a sober use of Renaissance forms and details), to the modernism of the beginning of the 20th century. Most of his designs consist of private and public buildings in and around Vienna. In his designs (particularly after 1890s), writings and teaching, Wagner addressed one major issue: the search for new forms best suited for modern, urban life

From the guide to the Otto Wagner correspondence, 1885-1917, (Getty Research Institute)