The high-profile panel of BUWOG in Dialogue: (from left) Irene Lundström, Stephan Ferenczy, Daniel Riedl, Ingeborg Erhart, and Viktoria Morgenstern.

Established event series with high-profile guests
Lively discussion about the opportunities and challenges of art in architecture
Experts agree that art contributes significantly to a society’s quality of life
BUWOG promotes discussion between artists, architects and the public

The latest edition of the BUWOG in Dialogue event series took place last Thursday, 23 October 2025 under the title “Art in Architecture” / Construction and Art”. For the fifth time, BUWOG invited selected guests to its Customer and Administrative Centre on Vienna’s Rathausstraße to attend a panel discussion on the likewise-named topic and then engage in cross-industry discussion and networking. For decades, art in architecture has been an integral element of numerous construction projects. The evening’s discussion centred on what exactly this means for artists, architects, the authorities and, last but not least, the public, and how the successful integration of art into building structures can and should look. Moderated by Michael Köttritsch, the panel included Ingeborg Erhart (vice rector for Art and Teaching, Academy of Fine Arts Vienna), Stephan Ferenczy (architect and co-founder, BEHF Architects), Irene Lundström (head of the Department for Architecture and Urban Design, city of Vienna), Viktoria Morgenstern (artist) and Daniel Riedl (director of development at Vonovia SE) met on the podium and engaged in a vibrant discussion concerning the above-mentioned issues.

To set the mood, guests were given insight via video into the workshop and work of Viktoria Morgenstern, a multidisciplinary artist who addresses topics such as identity formation and the way we build relationships and connections. Morgenstern’s work often involves translating observations, experiences and lessons learned into sculpture. Her preferred material is steel, and she uses a welding machine to create her “drawings in space”, some of which are designed for indoor use, others for outdoor use. The panel discussion that followed focused on the interplay between architecture and art in public spaces and the question of what role art in architecture plays today for society, the cityscape and the built environment.

Among the high-profile visitors to the event were Peter Engert (managing director, Austrian Sustainable Building Council), Gerhard Schuster (CEO, Wien 3420 AG), Herwig Kleinhapl (partner, LOVE architecture and urbanism ZT GmbH), Kira Freigassner (investment broker, Rustler Immobilientreuhand GmbH), and Sne Veselinović (architect).

Exciting discussion on the topic of “Art in Architecture / Architecture and Art” at BUWOG in Dialogue.

Art in architecture as added value for society

Art in public spaces, or public art, has been an integral and important part of urban culture for centuries. Public art helps lend distinctive characteristics to a city and allows people to identify with it. Another form of art in public spaces is art in architecture. Art in architecture is more outward-looking than any other form of art, appealing to the people who encompass it. The implementation of residential projects actively shapes public space and influences the cityscape.

For over 70 years, BUWOG has been shaping the residential market in Austria with contemporary residential solutions tailored to people’s needs. Homes for generations are created by designing, developing and managing residential locations aimed towards the future and by refurbishing historic architectural gems. Art in all its facets is an integral component of this, as it creates added value that fosters identity, connects people, lends individual character to residential projects, and reflects BUWOG’s corporate philosophy. The company promotes established and emerging artists from a variety of genres, who in turn create spaces that invite people to experience, reflect and engage in dialogue about art. One example of this is the Art in Architecture Competition in conjunction with the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, which took place in 2024. Viktoria Morgenstern was one of the winners of the competition. With her concept Beyond the Laurel, she succeeded in creating a playful and accessible approach to the relationship between humans and nature. Inspired by the shapes of diverse types of laurel, the concept, which is now being implemented in the Südtiroler Quartier project in Salzburg and the viéno project in Vösendorf, conveys a feeling of openness and harmony. The participatory character expressly desired by the artist allows for considerable flexibility in implementation.

“For BUWOG, incorporating art into residential construction represents an opportunity for expanded communication. Art can lift people out of their daily routines, stimulate their thoughts and senses, and enrich life in the building in which it is displayed in a lasting way. Collaborating with renowned artists and well-known architects creates value for generations. We are convinced that art and culture make a significant contribution to the quality of life in a society, which is why we have made a conscious commitment to these areas," says Vonovia CDO Daniel Riedl.

Further information on BUWOG’s art-related activities can be found at: buk.buwog.com