Óscar Tenreiro Degwitz revisits the Wittgenstein House in Vienna
Architect and critic Óscar Tenreiro Degwitz publishes a lengthy analysis of the Wittgenstein House (1926–1928) in Vienna, reflecting on his 2011 visit. He critiques the house's excessive ceiling heights and lack of spatial fluidity, contrasting it with Adolf Loos's Raumplan approach seen in the Moller House. Tenreiro notes the influence of Loos on Wittgenstein and architect Paul Engelmann, who was initially commissioned by Margaret Stonborough-Wittgenstein. He discusses Wittgenstein's philosophical crisis after the Tractatus, his donation of his inheritance (including to Loos), and his eventual return to philosophy. The piece recommends Paul Wijdeveld's 1994 book 'Ludwig Wittgenstein, Architect' (MIT Press) as a comprehensive source. Tenreiro admits the house failed to emotionally move him despite his admiration for Wittgenstein.
Key facts
- The Wittgenstein House was built between 1926 and 1928 in Vienna.
- Margaret Stonborough-Wittgenstein commissioned Paul Engelmann, who was later joined by her brother Ludwig Wittgenstein.
- Tenreiro visited the house in May 2011 and published a first impression in June 2011.
- He criticizes the excessive height of the rooms and the lack of spatial continuity.
- Adolf Loos's Moller House (1928) is cited as a comparison, using the Raumplan concept.
- Wittgenstein gave away his inheritance after WWI, including a donation to Adolf Loos.
- Two documents show the relationship between Wittgenstein and Loos: a book dedication and a postcard from 1925.
- Paul Wijdeveld's book 'Ludwig Wittgenstein, Architect' (1994, MIT Press) is recommended.
- Gustav Klimt painted a portrait of Margaret Stonborough-Wittgenstein in 1905.
- The house is now considered part of universal cultural heritage.
Entities
Artists
- Óscar Tenreiro Degwitz
- Ludwig Wittgenstein
- Adolf Loos
- Paul Engelmann
- Margaret Stonborough-Wittgenstein
- Gustav Klimt
- Paul Wijdeveld
- Karl Wittgenstein
- Oscar Kokoschka
- Karl Kraus
- Le Corbusier
- Otto Mayer
Institutions
- Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV)
- Escuela de Arquitectura UCV
- MIT Press
- Universidad de Leiden
- TalCual
Locations
- Vienna
- Austria
- Kundmangasse
- Italy
- England
- Netherlands
- Cambridge
- Massachusetts
Sources
- Veredes —