Graphic inventory of heterotopic spaces — roughly thirty very special places and buildings which were - at the time - hardly known, hardly accessible, partially non-functional, partially forgotten, in danger of being demolished.


Text excerpt on Simmering Gas Tank from the diploma thesis 1978...

We ascend, starting at the grass-covered foundations of one of the four gas storage towers. The man accompanying me unlocks the gate. One meter in front of me a shiny, riveted, black steel wall, the inner container. Like an enormous ship, stretching almost endlessly upward. I stand on a narrow wooden walkway. The tank sits in a 30,000-cubic-meter water-filled basin that protects it from wind pressure and also provides insulation when the tank rings rise during gas injection. A layer of oil on the water surface prevents evaporation. It forms such a perfectly smooth surface that the reflection makes the tank appear double its already gigantic size. We climb up steep steel steps littered with pigeon dung, feathers and oil. After a strenuous ascent I peer breathless over the gas bell. The oppressively cramped climb gives way to the sheer vastness of this lofty dome that spans the entire complex. Light enters through the roof lantern and arched windows. The coo of the pigeons and the whistling flapping sound of their wings. Arms long from lugging my big drawing pad, folding stool and camera all the way up here. At the top we wander about the huge space. A person at the opposite side of the circular walkway seems only 1 cm tall. Outside it is already spring; inside it is still winter—the chill takes so long to escape through the thick walls. I have to keep my gloves on while drawing. Through a small door one can pop outside. A splendid view over Vienna. The storm almost blows us over. It rattles and loosens the thin sheet-metal roof. Walking around the domes, climbing the cupolas, I shall never forget. At noon, I eat with the workers in the factory kitchen. There it is warm. >>>