Sondermodelle

by Peter Fritz

What to do with 387 small architectural models discovered in a junk shop - all of them neatly wrapped in rubbish bags? The artist Oliver Croy was initially attracted by their skilful workmanship: made from wallpaper scraps, matchboxes, textured paper and adhesive foil, the unknown craftsman had created veritable architectural gems. Croy found out that the models were part of the estate of the Viennese insurance clerk Peter Fritz, who seemed to have designed them without using prototypes. They look more real than any model, quite apparently a reduction of what may be seen in everyday architecture: strange additions, billboards, all very colorful and angular. Croy stopped asking himself what to do with his discovery and, together with the architecture critic Oliver Elser, successfully presented them in exhibitions. In the meantime, there have been talks about realizing the most spectacular pieces. This book, with articles by renowned authors, features color photographs of every piece, in