Hilda Crozzoli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hilda Crozzoli
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Hilda Crozzoli (1927)
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| Born | 16 August 1900 |
| Died | 10 August 1972 |
| Occupation | architect civil engineer |
Hilda Crozzoli was a very important person in Austria. She was one of the first women to become an architect and a civil engineer in the country. This means she designed and helped build many structures.
Early Life and Learning
Hilda Johana Crozzoli was born on August 16, 1900, in Salzburg, Austria. Her father, Ambrogio Crozzoli, and her mother, Lucia Antonia Santarossa, were from Italy. Hilda's family had been master builders and architects for many years in Salzburg. They helped build many parts of the city.
In 1907, Hilda's family officially became citizens of Austria. In 1915, they gained the right to live in the Maxglan area of Salzburg. This right meant they could settle there and get help if they needed it. Hilda's mother only spoke Italian and never learned German.
Hilda was the fourth of seven children. Sadly, her two older brothers died when they were babies. This left five girls in the family. After finishing elementary and middle school, Hilda studied construction for four years. She went to the State Trade School in Salzburg.
In 1921, Hilda passed her final exam. She became Austria's first female architect! She was the first woman to graduate from the construction department of her school. A photo from her graduation shows many men in suits. In the middle, Hilda is sitting, turned to the side. Her picture was added to the photo later.
Building a Career
Hilda started working at her father's company, P & A Crozzoli, on August 1, 1917. She began as an apprentice, learning the trade. From 1921 to 1925, she worked as a construction technician and foreman for her father. She also worked for other architects in places like Schneegattern and Vienna.
One of Hilda's big projects with her father's company was changing the Hofstallkasern. This was a large building that used to be cavalry barracks and stables. Hilda helped turn it into a natural history museum. Today, it is called the Haus der Natur Salzburg. It is in the center of the city's festival area.
In 1926, Hilda started working for the Universal Construction Company in Salzburg. A year later, in May 1927, she took important exams in Klagenfurt. She passed and became a "Baumeister." This title means she was a master builder, an architect, and a civil engineer. News of her success was shared widely, and she received congratulations from many groups.
Her Own Company
In 1928, Hilda Crozzoli decided to start her own business. She became a freelance architect and civil engineer. At first, she worked with Josef Sindinger. Then, she partnered with architect Richard Bandian. Hilda and Richard later got married on February 1, 1934. That same year, Hilda Crozzoli and her construction company moved to a new office.
Between 1928 and 1966, Hilda's company, Crozzoli-Bandian, built 65 known buildings. One important project was the "welfare settlement" in Schallmoos in 1927/28. This was a special housing area for people who needed help.
During World War II, Salzburg was bombed many times. About 46 percent of the city's buildings were destroyed. After the war, Hilda's company played a big part in rebuilding Salzburg.
Hilda repaired the damage at Schloss Leopoldskron in 1945. This castle had been taken over by the Nazis during the war. Her company also rebuilt and restored the Hotel Goldener Hirsch in 1945/46.
They also worked on the Bankhaus Daghofer in 1968.
In 1965, she renovated a part of the Residenz building for the University of Salzburg.
Hilda Crozzoli-Bandian passed away on August 10, 1972, in Salzburg after a long illness. She was buried in the Maxglan cemetery.
Her Legacy
Many of the buildings Hilda designed are still standing today. They are often part of architecture tours in Salzburg. In 2013, Hilda was featured in an exhibition called Frauen machen Sichtbar (Women Make Visible). This show celebrated female architects from Salzburg.
Awards
- War Merit Cross II. Class (September 1, 1944)
- Golden Ring of Honor of the Salzburg Construction Industry (March 11, 1965)
