Like his near-contemporary Constantin Lipsius, Auer was an eloquent advocate for architectural realism, a sophisticated theoretical stance that became increasingly significant in the 1880s on the continent. Architectural Realists sought to renew contemporary architecture through thoughtful reconsideration of the symbolic properties of the classical language of architectural expression; this "realistic" reconsideration required a new level of archaeological accuracy in the understanding of the emergence and evolution of specific forms.
Like his near-contemporary Constantin Lipsius, Auer was a persuasive champion of architectural realism, a complex theoretical position that gained prominence in the 1880s on the continent. Architectural Realists aimed to revitalize contemporary architecture through meticulous reevaluation of the symbolic characteristics of the classical language of architectural expression; this "realistic" reexamination necessitated a higher level of archaeological precision in understanding the emergence and development of specific forms.