Villa Seidler
Beyond the modern house
L. Cecca (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
Jurjen Zeinstra – Mentor (TU Delft - Situated Architecture)
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Abstract
This thesis offers an in-depth analysis of Villa Seidler in Olomouc, designed by the Czech engineer Jacques Groag. As one of his most iconic projects, Villa Seidler serves as a culmination of Groag's influences, artistic tendencies, and architectural evolution. Beginning with an exploration of Groag’s early life and formative influences, the thesis situates Villa Seidler within the broader context of his architectural body of work. Through detailed descriptions of the villa, comparisons will be made with other significant works by Groag, including Villa Moller and Villa Otto Eisler, emphasizing recurring themes such as spatial organization, window design, and the integration of terraces. By comparing Groag’s approach to that of his mentor, Adolf Loos, the thesis highlights Groag’s unique contributions to modern architecture, demonstrating his sensitivity to human needs, his attention to nature and views, and his innovative adaptation of Loos' construction techniques. This study aims to underscore the distinctive qualities that made Groag a deeply respected figure by many of his contemporaries, and to advocate for greater recognition of Villa Seidler as a masterful and often overlooked achievement in 20th-century architecture.