Ernst Plischke: Architect
Ernst Plischke: Architect
5 September - 28 November 2004
Revered in his homeland, Austrian architect Ernst Plischke (a contemporary of Walter Gropius, Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier) was a key figure in the introduction of international modernism into New Zealand architecture and design. Born in Vienna in 1903 he emigrated to New Zealand to escape the Nazi regime in 1939, and settled in Wellington having already established a significant international reputation. Plischke went on to design over 40 private houses in his adopted homeland, as well as the landmark Massey House, an eight storey office building with a glass curtain wall on Lambton Quay, which was Wellington’s first modern high-rise. He also designed public housing, worked on community planning, and become a prominent voice within New Zealand culture through his writings and lectures.
City Gallery Wellington’s exhibition Ernst Plischke will bring attention to Plischke’s architectural legacy in Wellington, where the best examples of his mature work exist. Ernst Plischke includes over 100 original plans and drawings, vintage and contemporary photographs of Plischke buildings, architectural models (including a model of the renowned Sutch House by Wellington architect Alistair Luke) , digital ‘walk-throughs’ of Plischke houses and a significant biographical display. Material for the exhibition has been drawn from the archives and collections of the Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna, and from New Zealand collections.
Presented by
Exhibition organised by City Gallery Wellington in partnership with the Akademie der Bildenden Kunste (Academy of Fine Arts), Vienna and the Kaiserliches Hofmobiliendepot (Imperial Furniture Collection), Vienna.
Proudly supported by NZ Housing Corporation Ltd, New Work Studio Architects Ltd and Magnum Mac.