The city of Waidhofen am Ybbs invited Hollein to develop a comprehensive project for the reconstruction and rebuilding of the "Rothschild Castle", named after one of the most prominent owners, Albert von Rothschild, who lived there in the second half of the 19th century. The need for this has arisen due to the fact that the city will host the National Exhibition, and then it is planned to further use it.
A particular difficulty for the architect was the complexity of the plans of the building, which was rebuilt many times and consisted of parts of different times.
Therefore, Hollein's main idea was to continue this tradition through the "diversity and transformation of the original content and meaning" of the castle. These architectural "interventions" inside and outside the building will be complemented by integrated works of art, which should contribute to the "perception of the castle as a whole complex."
The main theme of the project is transparent, glowing sculptural volumes made of glass and metal. The materials used are high quality steel, aluminum and glass. For lighting, fluorescent tubes and an open flame will be used.
