The Haus am Zwinger, designed in 2000 by Viennese architect Heinz Tesar, borders the street known as Kleine Brüdergasse, which was devastated in the war. The building’s design was influenced by the Sophienkirche, which was torn down in 1963 for political reasons; its open areas echo the footprint of the church. The underground portion of the church’s ruins has been maintained as an archeological reserve. In keeping with its function as both a residence and place of business, the building was designed with a stucco facade with spoon-shaped indentations in the lower areas. It suffered substantial damage during the flooding in 2002. The basement levels and the ground floor subsequently underwent complete renovation. Plans by the architect, Lord Norman Foster, in 2006 to turn the building into a five-star hotel were not realized.
Consultants:
- Architects: Heinz Tesar
- Architect for the project’s redesign: Lord Norman Foster
- Architects in charge of planning the project’s implementation: dom-ino Architekten
- Interior designers in charge of the project’s redesign: Hollin + Radoske Architekten
- Technical systems: Friemel + Röhrdanz Gebäudetechnische Gesamtplanung
Credits: Hanno Schnörr, Karin Gutz