WAGNER, Otto
(b. 1841, Penzing, d. 1918, Wien)

Stadtbahn Station (detail of the exterior)

1899
Photo
Karlsplatz, Vienna

Karlsplatz station is lent its distinctive character by two pavilions facing each other on either side of the tracks. Unlike the other Stadtbahn stations, which were finished in plaster, these pavilions employ a steel skeleton clad on the exterior with slabs of marble and on the interior with slabs of white plaster. The slabs bear a sunflower motif which also appears on the semicircular gable. Their Secessionist Jugendstil decor makes these two "functional" buildings appear almost luxurious.