Architecture through the shirt cuff

With its wiener.architektur.zitate the wiener.manschettenknopf.linie is presenting a new edition which is based on Vienna's architecture and architectural history.

The first cufflink has been designed by the Splitterwerk group of architects and produced by the jewellery designer Katharina Schmid. It is a reference to the "House on the Michaelerplatz," which was commissioned in 1909 as the business premises of the exclusive“Goldmann & Salatsch” fashion house. The house was designed (1909-1911) by Adolf Loos, who received the commission after the results of the original competition proved unsatisfactory.

The house is one of Vienna's first frame constructions and is situated opposite the Hofburg, at the heart of the imperial, splendid historic ambience of Vienna's inner city. In contrast to this, the facade design implemented by Loos reflects the bourgeois classicism which is also to be seen in the design of the Michaelerkirche opposite.

The house has been a listed building since 1947. The 100th anniversary of this house with its epochal significance will be celebrated with an open day at the end of September 2009. On this occasion the Loos-Splitterwerk cufflinks will also be presented.

The interpretation of the upper windows of the 'house without eyebrows' is true to scale and is available in two versions, featuring sterling silver in palladium or black ruthenium finish. In their mutual cooperation Splitterwerk and Katharina Schmid have created unique double-sided cufflinks with a fascinating insight.

An invitation to architects, designers and creative spirits to design their cufflink models remains valid until the end of July 2009. In autumn more exciting models are to be expected in the wiener.architektur.zitate edition, together with further editions from wiener.manschettenknopf.linie.

About Splitterwerk
The Splitterwerk team have been operating for 20 years now at the interface between architecture and art. Many of their works take a critical look at the building design and theory of ornamentation proposed by Loos, even developing his ideas further (Adolf Loos, "Ornament und Verbrechen" – Ornament and Crime, 1908). In 2005 the Splitterwerk team were responsible for the official Austrian contribution to the architectural biennale in Sao Paolo. They have received numerous international awards for their buildings and projects.

About Katharina Schmid
Katharina Schmid is an ambitious young jewellery designer with solid training in craftsmanship. The claim of her jewellery label is "ansteckend" (catchy), reflecting her intention to brighten up our everyday routine with glamour, elegance and fun.