Dear Anna,
Every week you give me a new treat to enjoy. This week I was especially intrigued by Wagner's dedication to hygiene. Also, I was fascinated by the fact that he designed Kirche am Steinhof to serve a mentally ill population.
The implementation of his ideas in the church at Steinhof was almost revolutionary in terms of hygiene and care for the mentally ill. For example, he replaced the holy water basin with standing water with a dispenser from which the consecrated water dripped. This was to prevent infections, but also undue "splashing around".
I can't tell you how affected I am by this. Wagner has a fan here. Not only is his architecture stunning and functional, but it is compassionate--if I can use such a term in relation to buildings.
It seems I've written a small book on many subjects. One of them was Florence Nightingale. I was struck in your description of Wagner's hygiene planning with how this is consistent with the plans suggested by Nightingale. She didn't really understand germ theory, but nonetheless advocated for washing, open spaces, fresh air. She redesigned hospitals and wrote a book for women explaining how they could keep their homes clean and thus keep illness at bay.
I've read up a bit on Wagner since last night (when I first saw your blog), and will read again tonight. Who knows? There might be another small book in it :)
A brilliant blog, as usual Anna (though there is nothing usual about your blogs).
With regard and respect (for you and Wagner)
Affectionately,
AG
Dear AG,
Otto Wagner was a visionary who was far ahead of his time. In his 1896 paper "Modern Architecture" (modern architecture), Wagner for the first time established a direct connection between artistic practice and hygienic standards. For him, comfort and comprehensive cleanliness were an essential condition regarding the architecture of the coming 20th century.
You write about "compassionate" architecture. Perhaps also following detail underlines the fact that Wagner tried to put himself in the mind of the patients for whom he built this church. Thus, apart from the cross at the altar, no motives of suffering can be found in the church. No depictions of martyrs or the suffering of Jesus Christ, for fear that the sometimes violent depictions might provoke aggression in the patients.
Thanks for the reference to Florence Nightingale. I knew her by name, but I've only now started to deal with her story. A fascinating personality! Did you published your book and can one buy it somewhere online? A book on Otto Wagner by you would be awesome. I already know that I would love it, as you are an excellent researcher and author.
Thank you for your appreciative remarks! They mean a lot to me.
I hope you can also enjoy such beautiful late summer days as we have just here in Vienna.
Affectionately,
Anna
Dear Anna,
I like Wagner even more now.
Aren't we lucky that such a voice prevailed?
As for my little book on Florence Nightingale, it was written for children, maybe 5th graders. Has a workbook in it. Sometimes I think I wrote those little books for myself, so I could learn and practice my hobby, writing. Steemit, and now Hive, have filled that box for me. Plus, here I get to meet people. So much better :))
Yes, August/September is wonderful here. I love this time of year most, although there is a certain poignancy to it.
Be well, and peaceful
Affectionately,
AG
Dear AG,
I would like to say goodbye to you for a while. I'm taking a break from all social media activities, because I want to focus on the upcoming professional challenges and exciting changes in my private life. But I intend to come back one day. Until then I wish you all the best, please take care of yourself and stay safe and healthy. 🌹
Affectionately,
Anna
Dear Anna,
I'm very grateful you let me know. I would have worried. Please be peaceful, take care of things as they come along. We will be waiting for you when your return is a good thing in your life.
Good luck in your professional endeavors and in everything that is important to you.
Your friend from across the sea,
Affectionately,
AG