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Clemens HolzmeisterAustrian architect
Date of Birth: 27.03.1886
Country:  Austria |
Content:
- Clemens Holzmeister: Austrian Architect with Global Influence
- Architectural Career
- Turkey and Brazil
- Post-War Austria
- Return to Stage Design
- Academic and Civic Roles
- Awards and Recognition
- Personal Life
Clemens Holzmeister: Austrian Architect with Global Influence
Early Life and EducationClemens Holzmeister was born in Fulpmes, Austria, on March 27, 1886. He attended the Mittelschulverbindung Cimbria Catholic school and the Realschule in Innsbruck before pursuing architecture at the Vienna University of Technology. In 1919, he received his doctorate in architecture and later became a professor at the State Trade School in Innsbruck.
Architectural Career
Austria and GermanyIn 1924, Holzmeister became the head of the architectural department at the Austrian Academy of Fine Arts. He oversaw the reconstruction of the Salzburg Festival Theatre in 1926 and designed numerous government buildings in Ankara during his tenure in Germany.
Turkey and Brazil
In 1928, Holzmeister directed the Düsseldorf Academy of Fine Arts and became the director of the Austrian Academy of Fine Arts in 1931. After the Anschluss in 1938, he relocated to Turkey, where he designed and constructed multiple buildings. In 1939, he spent six months in Brazil, where his father had lived as an immigrant.
Post-War Austria
From 1940 to 1949, Holzmeister taught at the Technical University in Istanbul. He returned to Austria in 1954 and designed countless public buildings, churches, and monuments.
Return to Stage Design
Starting in the 1930s, Holzmeister collaborated with Max Reinhardt as a stage designer for the Salzburg Festival. In the 1950s, he returned to stage design, working for the Salzburg Festival, Vienna State Opera, and Burgtheater.
Academic and Civic Roles
From 1955 to 1957, Holzmeister served as the rector of the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. He was awarded honorary doctorates from several universities and became an honorary citizen of Vienna and Salzburg.
Awards and Recognition
Holzmeister received numerous awards, including the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Honorary Badge for Services to the Republic of Austria, and the Order of the Turkish Republic.
Personal Life
Holzmeister married Judith Bridarolli in 1913, with whom he had two children. After their divorce in 1939, he married Gunda Lexer in Turkey. He had one daughter with Lexer. Holzmeister passed away on June 12, 1983, in Haplaine and was buried in Salzburg at the Petersfriedhof cemetery.
