History

The ORTE Lower Austrian Architecture Network was founded on 4 June 1994 with a celebration at Melk Abbey. Architects Franziska Ullmann, Walter Zschokke, Otto Kapfinger, and Paul Katzberger spoke at the occasion and the founding charter was signed. Architect Roland Rainer gave a commemoration speech. As written on the invitation:

ORTE – lower austrian architecture network is an association that aims to bring more contemporary life to the architectural culture of Lower Austria. This will be achieved through the organization of lectures, exhibitions, workgroup activities, expert collaboration, and other events.

This is not about creating a specifically Lower Austrian architectural style. This is about awakening an understanding of contemporary architecture and initiating discussions and bringing them up to date while taking Lower Austria’s special geographic situation into consideration. For this reason, we will select a range of different locations for our events, using architecturally exciting spaces throughout the region.

The ORTE association will soon begin its official operations. Lectures by key architects working under the conditions specific to the region are accompanied by plans to bring in internationally renowned specialists, making direct exchange and profound discourse possible.

The first event is planned for 10 June 1994. Our guest will be Rudolf Olgiati (*1910) from Switzerland. This headstrong and dedicated architect from the Graubünden Vorderrhein Valley is known for his landscape-sensitive buildings, often made in part with building materials taken from old houses that the architect himself saved from destruction and put into storage for later use.

The site of this meeting, a discussion including slides of his work and his commentary thereon, is the St. Pölten Synagogue. This underlines the fundamental intention of carrying out all ORTE events in architecturally stimulating environments.