Erwin Reidinger

The 12th and 13th century were centuries of (re)birth for many German cities. To protect against Hungarian incursions, a range of cities was founded (Marchegg, Wiener Neustadt) or expanded (Vienna). Reidinger offers an interesting introduction to the guiding principles how these cities were set up. In contrast to the Swiss cities founded at that time, the Austrian cities could not rely on natural defensive features such as hills and river in the large Pannonian plain. These cities relied on show more basic squares with a dominant church in one quadrant oriented towards a significant ecclesial position. What I find interesting, is that within that rectangular frame, the citizens preferred curved lines deviating from a cold and inefficient grid system. Which is just what makes them so livable, so timeless and real in a Christopher Alexander pattern way. show less