Saturday, 27 February 2010



Hofburg Palace main facade


Saturday afternoon break dancers in Stephanplatz, the main squares in the City Centre. The buildings in the rear of this shot represent the 'standard' building type for Vienna, though many feature contemporary roof top refurbs and connecting bridges.


Subway in motion


The Gasometers (left), south of the city centre, were once part of an industrial complex. Recent refurbishments include housing, a cinema and some leaning corrugated clad social housing blocks (right). The fragments of the works chimneys can be seen in the back ground (centre).


Sundial, vista and hilltop folly at the Schonbrunn Castle, facing due south.


The principle 'folly' and expensive cafe in the grounds of the Schobrunn Palace, with slightly over worked decoration and the common motif of empty suits of armour.


The main square amongst the Hofburg Palace residentail suites


The Hofburg Palace nothern entrance, where many horse drawn carriages begin to move from the Spanish Riding school and venture out to the surrounding streets


The Jesuit Church in the Old City of Vienna, one of many churches preserved amongst the contemporary city scape
Recent visits around Vienna, including the Hofburg Imperial Palace and the Schonbrunn Castle, Gasometers and Stephan Platz. These are some of Vienna's top heritage sites, The Hofburg Palace being the home to the Hofburg family, famous for big chins!

This family paid for and encouraged the fine arts and cultural basis that Vienna now exhibits, with many of the original buildings and gardens preserved. The Old City, at the centre, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the permiter wards are beautifully maintained adding to a fabulously cultured and healthy city.

The Gasometers are converted industrial complexes now housing students and hosting gigs. The Schonbrunn Castle is a massive palacial estate, with vistas and gardens set amongst a cultivated woodland and hillock, where the whole of Vienna can be viewed.

Friday, 26 February 2010

Arrival!

Arrival and a few days walking round the Old City, which is the medieval centre. My housing is in a student apartment block to the north east by the cities 'Praderplatz' which is a giant theme park and Lido. Soon I will begin school at the TUWien (Technological University of Vienna) for a masters level course in Architecture, but am not sure yet of the classes I take.

Many photos and sketches coming soon.