Extension of the Albertina in Vienna
The ensemble of buildings known as the Albertina, an urban palace dating from the 18th century, houses one of the largest collections of graphic art in the world. Over the past ten years, the complex has been extended and has undergone a comprehensive restoration. A new exhibition hall, a store and an adjoining study building with workshops and a library have been inserted in the listed ensemble between the Burggarten and the Hofburg in a form that is scarcely visible from the outside. The elevated position of the Albertina on the city bastions was exploited to accommodate the large new volume. By sinking the extension structures four storeys into the ground, it was possible to leave the historical silhouette of the complex unchanged. The former fortifications in front of the Albertina were removed, and in their place an underground exhibition hall and store were built.
