This exhibition examines the era of global political upheaval between 1955 and 1989, exploring how Austrian architects contributed to projects in newly independent African and Asian countries during the Cold War. It features plans, photographs, and models from the Architekturzentrum Wien's collection.
Global – Neutral delves into the significant period between 1955 and 1989, a time marked by widespread political transformation as many countries gained independence and international relations were heavily influenced by Cold War dynamics. The exhibition highlights the role of Austrian architects who, leveraging their country's political neutrality and lack of colonial history, engaged in significant architectural and urban development projects across Africa and Asia. These endeavors were often intertwined with political, economic, and cultural interests, serving as symbols of diplomatic engagement and transnational cooperation. Showcasing a diverse range of built and unbuilt projects by approximately 25 Austrian architects from the Architekturzentrum Wien's collection, the exhibition uses plans, photographs, and models to illuminate these complex connections.
The exhibition aims to open new perspectives on Austrian architecture by situating these projects within the broader context of the political, cultural, and globalized forces at play during the mid to late 20th century. It presents works by architects such as Carl Auböck, Hans Hollein, and Helene Koller-Buchwieser, among others, illustrating how architectural commissions in countries like Burkina Faso, India, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Nepal, and Tanzania reflected and shaped new world orders. The exhibition catalogue, Global – Neutral. Architecture from Austria in Africa and Asia 1955–1989, further enriches the discourse on this fascinating historical period.
