Abstract (eng)
Alfons Fritz (Andelsbuch 1900-1933 Dornbirn) studied architecture at the Technische Universität München from 1919 until 1923. Following the successful completion of his studies, Fritz accepted a position with the architectural firm of Clemens Holzmeister, first in Innsbruck and then in Vienna. In the autumn of 1925 Alfons Fritz ended his work with Clemens Holzmeister, moved to Dornbirn and, on 1 January 1927, began his career as an independent architect.
His work includes several residential- and hotel buildings, sacral buildings, and war memorials. Some rather unusual building projects such as a public bathhouse, a music pavilion, and designs for public spaces were also realized according to his ideas. Beyond this, Alfons Fritz designed furniture and furnishings, undertook the construction supervision of various projects, and worked – especially at the beginning of his career – as a graphic designer thanks to his talent as a draughtsman.
His buildings in rural areas are influenced by the concept of local architectural heritage preservation (Heimatschutzarchitektur). New Objectivity informs his urban architecture. The formal language and spatial planning of the sacral buildings and war memorials show strong parallels to Tyrolean architecture from the period between the world wars wherein Clemens Holzmeister played a leading role. The composition of Alfons Fritz´s war memorials is unique in Vorarlberg. Alongside of Clemens Holzmeister and Hans Feßler, Fritz is among the leading architects of churches in Vorarlberg during the interwar period. His residential buildings need fear no comparison to those of his colleagues.
The contents of this thesis come primarily from research in several archives as well as from contemporary news coverage.
The goal of this thesis is to record and analyse Alfons Fritz´s architecture as completely as possible, to compile a catalogue raisonné, and to place the buildings in an architectural context.