Goldman & Salatsch Building (Looshaus)

This store and apartment block was commissioned by Goldman and Salatsch; however, this firm’s choice of location was controversial. Not only is the building situated in the centre of “old” Vienna with its traditional architecture, but it faces the entrance to the Imperial residence. From the beginning, the building was criticized for its contradictions: the lower commercial level in marble, with classical columns and a grand recessed entrance in contrast to the severity of the upper section with bare plaster walls, lack of ornament, and plain windows without mouldings.

The picture shows the lower part of the fa�ade. The business area is preceded by a colonnade with Tuscan columns, designed as an allusion to the portico of the Michaelerkirche.