KUNST AM BAU (Art on Buildings)

KOLLITSCH housing project FREIGEIST (Free Spirit)

The concept of “art in the workplace” creates a unique and enriching environment for the workforce of the Kollitsch Group at KUNSTHAUS : KOLLITSCH. Their day-to-day contact with fine art also impacts the workplace, and this has already shown itself in two housing complexes in Klagenfurt where Art on Buildings has been realised by the Kollitsch construction company. The involvement of artists in the development of the project and the artistic design of the buildings is a great enrichment, creating a special atmosphere for the residents.

The first project to be artistically enhanced was the housing complex Maria-Theresia-Wohnpark (2013–2015). COOPART Franz Durst & Marina Koraiman developed a design based on artworks and drawings by Marina Koraiman on the subject of trees and branches.

The most recent housing project FREIGEIST (Free Spirit, 2019) in Kranzmayerstrasse in Klagenfurt was created in collaboration with the Carinthian artist Dietmar Franz. Each of the four apartment buildings had its own apple variety assigned to it, both visually and in the form of a name, with its own apple design. They are called after the apple varieties Rose Apple, Elstar, Crown Prince Rudolf and Jonagold, recalling the artist’s Apple(s) series (graphite on plywood).

Based on the original drawings, Ferdinand Neumüller created reproductions in the form of photographs, which he printed onto aluminium dibond and then put up in suitable places. The graphical implementation was handled by Brandy Brandstätter. Each building is visually characterised by one of the four apple varieties, and the design provides continuity from the underground car park to the entrance hall and the staircase as far as the waste collection point. Here it is supplemented by works from the Trash Bags series by Dietmar Franz. The artistic idea comes full circle in the form of apple trees planted in the green areas around the housing complex, where residents can help themselves to real apples.

Based on such positive experience, artistic design will continue to enrich people’s quality of life and housing in future projects.

Ferdinand Neumüller’s photographic documentation of the Kollitsch housing complex FREIGEIST (Free Spirit) shows how much the photographer is at home with art and culture. Focusing on photographic documentation, his works display a good balance between architectural photography and his grasp of “Art on Buildings” as a subject. They show an interaction of clear lines, perspectives and art in the image composition, covering the full functionality and aesthetics of the subjects.

— Magdalena Koschat