vienna, looshaus

Not quite on-topic, but today I saw the Goldman and Salatsch building by Adolf Loos, pictured on the right facing the imperial palace. Its austerity in 1909 was downright controversial. Looking at the building's neighbors one can see why...and at the same time one can see how cleverly Loos toned down the surrounding ostentation. The thickly veined marble that makes up the lower facing has since been applied ad nauseum throughout the city. The plain, punched fenestration for the floors above has been applied ad nauseum throughout the world. The crowds, tents, and stage in the plaza are for Vienna's StadtFest. Significantly more demure than Amsterdam's Queens Day, it was nonetheless a lively smattering of concerts, foodstands, and performances.