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Monday, April 18, 2011

Magdaburg - Green Citadel by Friedensreich Hundertwasser

I have no idea about this next item: Der Gromen Zifadelle.  Famous architect.  (Click here for wikipedia info on the architect) Unfinished when he died so completed after his death (and so NOT named after him). Natural shapes and natural flooring. Very colorful.  I’ll need to do a little more research and will update the details at a later date. Enjoy the photos for now.  Oh, by the way, the tour guide recommended paying the one euro charge to go in to the bathroom and check it out.  Not wanting to pay-to-pee, I went in to a café, promised the woman that I would return for a coffee and cake, and she gave me a token. So instead of spending one euro, I spent five, and outsmarted the system!
Rule: no straight lines




This building was quite impressive, different, weird, functional, and fun. The following explanation is from the building website.  The link is at the end of this post.
Located in the heart of the vibrant city of Magdeburg since October 3rd, 2005, THE GREEN CITADEL OF MAGDEBURG is a place of peace to be enjoyed, a world of architectural novelty that is full of individuality and creativity, in harmony with nature.
At one of the worldwide latest and greatest masterpieces of architecture by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, golden globes shine atop its towers, "tree tenants" look out of "dancing windows", scents waft from the wildflower meadows on the roofs, and "feet’s melodies" carry people through the courtyards.
Hundertwasser’s "…greatest and most beautiful building…" is a paradise for everyone, inviting you not only to live, work or shop here, but also to meet, celebrate and stay the night.  Discover all the little shops and galleries and savour some of the luscious specialties at the café and restaurant…
…or just dream through your nights in our in-house hotel, where no two rooms are the same…
During a guided tour we will let you in on Hundertwasser’s fantastic world.
Our tour guide points out the features of the building,
the colors, the bold shapes. 


Circular, slant


A small cafe on the lower level.  All surfaces
have a "natural ground" rolling.


Courtyard with little hills and multiple levels

Paths are wavy and uneven as found in nature.

Bright colors are everywhere.

Even the central fountain is colorful

The guide suggested that the 1 euro fee to use
the toilette was well worth it so that we could
see the inside.

Modern.  Look at how the wall tile does not line up with
the sink top. This would drive my Dad crazy.  He would
want to fix a lot of this.

Just in case you were curious.  Didn't want to
leave any of the important details out.
INFORMATION
No fee to walk around and explore the shops. Multiple cafes on the lower level. There is a charge to use the bathrooms OR one could walk in to the coffee shop and explain in the best German possible that it is extremely likely that a coffee and snack purchase would be made if change for a 2 euro coin would be given. Much to my surprise, the woman gave me a token and so the toilette tour was free.

Click here for the Gruene-Zitadelle website

Click here for widipedia on Friedensreich Hundertwasser

2 comments:

Ginan said...

I'm liking the creativity of this! It takes a lot of work to make sure nothing is straight!

Unknown said...

How fun and different! Loving all of your photos and learning so much! Thanks!