Historicism, revivalism, and eclecticism as precursors to modernism in sacred Viennese architecture

The paper aims to examine sacred Austrian architecture of the historicism period as a precursor to modernism; to explore the demise of historicism, which left room for the contributions of progressive architects and the emergence of new styles (such as the Vienna Secession) and, subsequently, modernism; to explain the impact of social changes on the spatial organization, structure, materials, decoration, and interior of religious architecture and how traditionalism resisted modernism. The study examines over 250 Austrian churches, 80 of which were built in historical styles in 1830–1910. With the use of literary evidence, the evolution of church construction is empirically traced to the present day, thus explaining the emergence of current architectural trends. The work of architects shapes new styles and identities – a process that is also characteristic of Russian architecture. The mixture of historical styles presented in new combinations and materials within a single building indicates a search leading to the discovery of entirely new forms. In addition, the buildings are naturally affected by social upheavals, as well as advances in science and technology. In collaboration with the client, the architect translates contemporary social attitudes into architecture, thus generating new images and symbols that are inextricably linked to the worldview of their era.