Report: The Art of the Structural Engineer: Philips Building in Vienna
The former Philips Austria headquarters appears to open its arms in a welcoming gesture to drivers as they approach Vienna from the south. The striking prestressed concrete structure designed by architect Karl Schwanzer and structural engineer Robert Krapfenbauer was the first open-plan office in Austria on its completion in 1965. The country’s federal monuments authority listed the facade and the circulation core in 2010. The building has remained empty since the client moved out in 2013. Now, with the refurbishment by Josef Weichenberger architects + Partner complete, the building can demonstrate the enormous flexibility it offers: the office floors have been converted into 135 fully furnished serviced apartments. In the two-storey low-rise building, which slots under the high-rise like a drawer, are rental units for two supermarkets, restaurants and a fitness centre.
