Hot Questions – Cold Storage: Exploring Austrian Architectural History and Contemporary Issues

This exhibition explores Austrian architectural history of the 20th and 21st centuries from a global perspective, drawing from the Az W's extensive collection. It addresses contemporary issues like gender representation in architecture and the perception of modern architectural movements, presenting around 400 objects.

The Architekturzentrum Wien (Az W) presents its comprehensively redesigned permanent collection, 'Hot Questions – Cold Storage,' which examines Austrian architectural history from the 20th and 21st centuries through a global lens. Drawing from its significant collection of over 100 architectural legacies, project collections, models, drawings, and documents, the exhibition addresses pressing contemporary questions. These include the societal dimensions of architecture, issues of fair distribution, resource management, and the persistent gender imbalance in the field, highlighted by elements like 'Architect Barbie' dolls. The exhibition also revisits the evolving perception of modernist architecture, from the underappreciation of figures like Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos to their later recognition. The exhibition covers post-war modernism and the challenges of building with limited resources, alongside kindergartens, socially sustainable architecture, and other socially relevant aspects of construction. Visitors can engage with approximately 400 objects, including impressive architectural models made from Lego by artist Harald Gach. The presentation is structured into seven thematic chapters, each prefaced by a current 'hot question,' aiming to make the complex topic of architecture tangible and foster awareness of contemporary issues and the historical context of building.

General admission is €12, with a reduced price of €9. A 25% discount is available with the Vienna City Card. Tickets can be purchased online via the official Az W website.