# Eerie Landscape Photography Klaus Pichler Captures a 'Middle Class Utopia' in Vienna By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-07-02 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/middle-class-utopia References: [itsnicethat](http://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/klaus-pichler-middle-class-utopia) & [kpic.at](http://kpic.at/images/2477) Klaus Pichler's latest series, titled 'Middle Class Utopia,' features Vienna's "Schrebergarten," an allotment of gardens frequented by older people looking for a form of escapism. While my idea of "escapism" involves vegging out in front of the TV watching re-runs of Orange is the New Black, the Schrebergarten is a little more structured. In fact, there are strict rules about conduct and behavior, as well the aesthetic properties, resulting in a slightly off-putting, though still technically attractive, artificial atmosphere. Throughout Pichler's series, there exists a palpable tension coming from the visitor's simultaneous desire to [escape into and control nature](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plener-istebna), forcing it to conform to their idea of "ideal." PIchler's photographs juxtapose pot-bellied old men and bow-legged women with [manicured hedges and lawns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/el-pastizal). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Eco-escape Spaces:** The creation of eco-friendly spaces that promote relaxation and escapism, while still protecting the natural state of the environment. - **Contemplative Aesthetic:** The design of visually pleasing spaces that inspire reflection and thought, often utilizing elements of nature and art to create an atmosphere in which visitors can escape. - **Contrived Nature:** The manipulation of natural environments to create controlled, idealized landscapes that provide a sense of escapism for visitors. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Landscaping Services:** Adopting green technologies and sustainable practices to create aesthetically pleasing natural spaces that promote relaxation and reflection. - **Tourism:** Developing eco-tourism that emphasizes the natural state of a location and provides visitors with an opportunity to escape the stresses of daily life while promoting sustainable practices. - **Mental Health:** Creating green spaces that incorporate art, nature, and design to inspire reflection and relaxation, promoting good mental health and well-being. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Interactive Architectural Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folding-landscape.md) - [Suburban-Inspired Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suburbaninspired-art-exhibition.md) - [Painting-Immersive Photo Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-ground-exhibition.md) - [Social Experiment Virtual Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uncanny-spaces.md) - [Nature-Rooted Family Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haus-am-lagnesberg.md) - [Rural Village-Based Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steirereck-am-pogusch.md) - [Industrial Architecture-Themed Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/industrial-archaeology.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Surreal Kyiv Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apartment-with-a-lizard.md)