The Textbook of Architecture

The Cabinet of Models

A Stadtbahn pavilion

After Otto Wagner’s station pavilions at Karlsplatz (1898–99): a visible steel frame faced with marble slabs, a curved copper roof and gilded sunflowers.

A Stadtbahn pavilion Open in Models ↗

Illustrates: Art Nouveau

The rules it illustrates

Construction first, then art-form. Begin every design from its construction; the architect’s task is to turn the construction into art-form, never to hide it behind forms borrowed from another material.