THE HISTORY OF [CLUB] RADIOKOJE
Kongressbad, a place to bathe in water, sunlight and air, is certainly familiar with turns, having survived almost one hundred years of unsteady European history since its completion in 1928. Whereas the “roaring twenties” focused on the recreational needs of workers in the surrounding districts Ottakring and Hernals (back then, productive industrial and business locations), the 1930s established the public pool as a meeting point for music lovers. Kongressbad was an essential facility to access music, as it played the newest Jazz, Swing, and Rock’n’Roll records in its own radio station “Radiokoje”. Especially during the NS regime, when enjoying this kind of music in public was strictly forbidden, the broadcasting and dance events expressed a form of resistance. After 1945, “Radiokoje” was continued by the US allies to maintain local social structures.
The emancipatory function of the pool as a public and cultural location became less and less important during the 1950/60s, when newly gained wealth and affordable motorization in post-war Europe made it possible to spend the holidays abroad.
Already by 1950, the popular radio broadcasts had slowly started to fade out, finally ceasing in the 1980s when renovations demolished the former radio cabin — a small building next to the former diving platform. Hardly any architectural remains tell the story of the radio’s existence. Yet, when asked, several older swimmers remember dancing barefoot by the pool and would tell you their wildest love stories.
In an age where new technologies and home entertainment are deteriorating collective experiences, the pool — and this applies for the total of the City of Vienna’s public infrastructure — remains a significant retreat for pensioners, families, and those “new to Vienna” with little income and lesser social integration.
This project has been supported throughout by the City Council of Vienna MA7 Kultur der Stadt Wien and the District Ottakring. Under the auspices of Heads of District Stefanie Lamp (2024-present) and Franz Prokop (2004.2024). In collaboration with the City Pools of Vienna, MA 44 Stadt Wien Bäder.