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Location: Show on map
Kärntner Straße 10

Vienna
1010 Innere Stadt
Austria
coordinates: 48.2073135 16.3712273

Building names(s): American Bar / Loos Bar

Architect/Designer: Adolf Loos

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Last modified: 30 April, 2011 | Suggested By M2S

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1. on 23 Mar 2009 Galinsky

   This small bar, just off the Kärntner Strasse in central Vienna, show Loos’ combination of simple, unadorned forms with opulent materials and fine, simple detailing to give a modern, rich impression.

   Mirrors covering the whole width of the wall above the bar, and the parallel wall opposite, mulitplies the apparent size of the small room, giving the image of an array of seaminlgy freestanding columns. The simple geometry of the columns and joists in this image matches that in Loos’s House on Michaelerplatz of the same period.

   Seating is in small booths around three backlit tables, which glow white in the dark, yellowish brown atmosphere of the bar.

   Since the bar is so small, there is room only for real customers, not architectural tourists, so the best approach is to become a customer. Photography is not welcomed.

2. on 23 Mar 2009 vienna unlike

   Arguing for the reduction of architecture to its essentials and the use of the finest material instead to suggest sensuality, Loos layered the ceilings, walls and floors with black onyx and dark marble and is refined by sleek brass fittings.

   On most evenings, young media and arty types squeeze in to enjoy “American-style” cocktails (read: fancy and high potency). Loos referred to the bar as “American” after having resided in the United States. Many Americans, however, would be bewildered at the comparison after witnessing the cramped smoke-filled room.