The Dispute Over the Roof: Steel vs. Reinforced Concrete Exhibition at the House of Austrian History

This exhibition delves into the heated debate surrounding the reconstruction of St. Stephen's Cathedral's roof after a fire. It highlights the controversy between using steel versus reinforced concrete for the structure, involving experts, authorities, and the public in discussions about aesthetics and suitability.

Following the fire that devastated St. Stephen's Cathedral, the decision to reconstruct the iconic steep roof sparked significant debate among experts and the public. The central point of contention was the choice of construction material: steel or reinforced concrete. While some viewed steel as a material suited for industrial construction and thus unworthy of a cathedral, others argued for its practicality and fire safety, especially after the recent disaster. The page details the commissioning of expert opinions, the involvement of various ministries, city officials, academic institutions, the monument authority, and the church. This discussion occurred despite the fact that an order for a steel roof structure had already been placed with the company Waagner-Biró on June 8, 1945. A wooden roof, mirroring the medieval original, was not considered due to fire safety concerns and material shortages. The reconstruction efforts also produced several films by the Federal Office for Photography and Educational Films, intended for educational purposes. These films documented the creation of the new roof and the intricate stonework, providing visual insight into the post-war rebuilding process. The page also references related content about the "Stephansdom and Pummerin" which further contextualizes the cathedral's national icon status and its reconstruction journey, including photographic works by Lucca Chmel which captured the new steel roof structure from dizzying heights.