Adolf Loos. Theaters of Joy

Abstract

The manner with which Adolf Loos constructs the characters and plots of his controversial and sarcastic stories closely resembles narrative writing suitable for stage action. In the light of this narrative writing, the essay examines two famous stories by Adolf Loos, the short, famous story of The Saddle Maker written in 1903, and the equally important story entitled The Poor Little Rich Man written in 1900. Starting from a theatrical interpretation of these two stories, the essay proposes an extension of the concept of theatricality, understood as a background capable of clarifying and better communicating the purpose of architecture. According to Adolf Loos, this ultimate purpose seems to lie in the search for joy.

Keywords

• adolf loos
• teatro
• gioia