Utopia and Everyday Life
How do you improve the lives of an entire population? For decades, Social Democrats envisioned a more just society, and they developed plans to support that vision. After World War I, Social Democrats were voted into power and began to enact their policies. They started an enormous reform project widely known as “Red Vienna.” It encompassed all aspects of urban life.
Red Vienna made a lasting mark on the city, particularly with ist ambitious building projects: public housing developments, schools, kindergartens, and swimming pools. At the same time, Red Vienna promoted innovations in architecture, design, music, theater, film, and science.
Red Vienna ended abruptly: it was terminated by a fascist regime originating in Austria’s Christian Social Party. The legacy of Red Vienna is still debated today.