Loos, Adolf

Loos, Adolf, b. Brno, Czech Republic (then Brünn), Dec. 10, 1870, d. Vienna, Aug. 23, 1933, architect and critic. Studied in Dresden, Germany, from 1893 to 1896 he stayed in the USA, then moved to Vienna, greatly influenced by O. Wagner's theories. In his articles around the turn of the century he took a stand against the Jugendstil style and the Wiener Werkstätte ("Ornament und Verbrechen", 1908). His building on Michaelerplatz squqre gave rise to fierce controversy in 1909-1911; at the same time he designed residences, based on which L. developed his concept of the "Raumplan" (distribution of rooms over the floor plan of a house, depending in their size and volume on the purpose they serve in the house). The outward appearance of the residences he designed developed more and more into a clear cubic form (House Müller, Prague 1928-1930). Nevertheless his most famous project is a skyscraper in the form of a doric column (Architectural contest for the "Chicago Tribune" office building in 1922). From 1924 to 1928 lived in Paris and joined the Paris Avant-garde (House for T. Tzara, Paris 1925-1926). His designs and writings had a great influence on the development of 20th century architecture. Since 1992 a panel of judges has awarded the A. L. Prize of Architecture, donated by the Raiffeisenlandesbank Niederösterreich-Vienna.

Further works: Interior design of Goldman & Salatsch, Graben, Vienna 1st district, 1898-1903; Café Museum, Vienna 1st district, 1899; Villa Karma near Montreux (Switzerland), 1903-1906; Kärntner Bar (American Bar), Vienna 1st district, 1908; House Steiner, Vienna 13th district, 1910; tailor's salon Kniže, Graben, Vienna 1st district, 1910-1913; House Horner, Vienna 13th district, 1912-1913; House Scheu, Vienna 13th district, 1912-1913; House Strasser, Vienna 13th district, 1918-1919; residential buildings in Lainz, Heuberg, Hirschstetten, Vienna, 1921; House Rufer, Vienna 13th district, 1922; Project Grand Hotel Babylon, Nizza, 1923; House for Josephine Baker (project), Paris, 1927; House Moller, Vienna 18th district, 1927-1929 double house in the housing settlement "Werkbundsiedlung", Vienna 13th district, 1930-1932. - Writings: Ins Leere gesprochen. 1897-1900, 1921; Trotzdem. 1900-1930, 1931. - Editions: Sämtliche Schriften, publ. by F. Glück, 1963; Die Potemkin'sche Stadt. 1897-1930, publ. by A. Opel, 1983.

Literature: L. Münz and G. Künstler, Der Architekt A. L., 1964; B. Rukschcio and R. Schachel, A. L. Leben und Werk, 1982; D. Worbs, Der Raumplan von A. L., 1985; A. Opel and M. Valdez, Alle Architekten sind Verbrecher. A. L. und die Folgen, 1990; E. B. Ottillinger, A. L. Wohnkonzepte und Möbelentwürfe, 1994; K. Lustenberger, A. L., 1994; R. Schezen, A. L., 1996; ÖBL; NDB.