The arcaded courtyard of the University of Vienna as a hospital garden, photo from Österreichische Illustrierte Rundschau of 6 November 1914

The outbreak of war put the dynamic urban development and construction in Vienna on hold. Building activity was dictated by the war, its unhappy progress and the inadequate preparation and organization. The constant flow of refugees and wounded soldiers made it necessary to transform Vienna into a city of barracks and hospitals.

The University of Vienna, University of Technology and other institutions were converted to become temporary hospitals. Because of the reduction in the number of students, the teaching was not disrupted.