Contents and Abstract

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. The Architecture

3. The Artist and his work

4. The Controversy

5. The Heritage ...?

6. The Future

Acknowledgements

Bibliography

Without doubt, the 1993-completed Hundertwasser building constitutes a dramatic deviation from established western building design principles and and provides a conceptual and visual challenge to citizen and visitor alike.

The pueblo design avoids, to the maximum extent possible, the use of horizontal and geometrical forms. The building complex which, so Hundertwasser, was conceptualised as a reunfication of human living with natural principles, also incorporates a historic heritage-listed structure -- and here lies the crux.

Hundertwasser in den Wiesen in Bad Soden (Germany) is a piece of architecture which represents a radical departure from standard condominium development.

This paper discusses the building, both from the views of architecture and art, and then addresses issues relating to the treatment of the adjoining heritage listed building. First we will describe and discuss the architecture of the complex which is followed by an introduction to the artist and his work. A description of the controversies surrounding the structure follows, giving way to a discussion of various aspects of heritage and heritage management. Some observations on the future conservation issues with respect to the complex conclude the paper.