T his building was controversial from its inception. It is in the heart of the city, in the shadow of some of Vienna's oldest and greatest architectural masterpieces. So the intrusion of a modern glass-and-concrete building met with resistance. But the architects did a great job of introducing a building that that coexists and complements the buildings around it. The facade is mostly glass, and reflects the mighty Stephansdom across the way. Instead of stark rows of stone, the lower floors are asymmetrical, and blocks of marble jut out from the building at odd angles. The result is a modern building housing offices, restaurants, and shops without ruining the old-world feel of Stephansplatz.
