Vals Thermal Baths - Photo Courtesy of Simon Vahala
Ask any architect who their favorite architect practicing today is and chances are highly likely they will mention the elusive Swiss designer Peter Zumthor. A true 'architect's architect', Zumthor was awarded this year's Pritzker Prize-the highest honor in the profession. Among admirers around the world, he is regarded as a master of craft; someone who has never compromised the intricacies of his designs in favor of the snapshot image.
Following with his personal philosophy about building, Zumthor's slim manifesto, Thinking Architecture, is minimal in imagery, focusing instead on the careful composition of words which convey the essence of his design process. When he speaks about the atmospheric memories of experiencing architecture as a child, Zumthor comes off Jungian in his descriptions. The theme of the experiential over the cerebral is the common thread that runs through his architectural works.
Like the other New Sensualists, Peter Zumthor's recent ascent in global popularity is a very welcome departure from the frenetic megalomania of 21st Century iconographic architecture. From his humble beginnings as a carpenter's apprentice, to his selectiveness in choosing projects, Zumthor's unique background and architectural process set a new standard for both aspiring architects and clients who wish to commission buildings of timeless quality.
Pay very close attention to Peter Zumthor. His is a name that will surely be mentioned in the design media more frequently in the months and years to come. As he begins to venture outside his native Switzerland and take on international design commissions, it will be interesting to see if he can remain steadfast in the aesthetic integrity that has come to define his portfolio thus far.
Following with his personal philosophy about building, Zumthor's slim manifesto, Thinking Architecture, is minimal in imagery, focusing instead on the careful composition of words which convey the essence of his design process. When he speaks about the atmospheric memories of experiencing architecture as a child, Zumthor comes off Jungian in his descriptions. The theme of the experiential over the cerebral is the common thread that runs through his architectural works.
Like the other New Sensualists, Peter Zumthor's recent ascent in global popularity is a very welcome departure from the frenetic megalomania of 21st Century iconographic architecture. From his humble beginnings as a carpenter's apprentice, to his selectiveness in choosing projects, Zumthor's unique background and architectural process set a new standard for both aspiring architects and clients who wish to commission buildings of timeless quality.
Pay very close attention to Peter Zumthor. His is a name that will surely be mentioned in the design media more frequently in the months and years to come. As he begins to venture outside his native Switzerland and take on international design commissions, it will be interesting to see if he can remain steadfast in the aesthetic integrity that has come to define his portfolio thus far.
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