Swiss Made: New Architecture from Switzerland FROM THE PUBLISHER
When it comes to architecture, Switzerland wields an international influence that belies its small geographic size. Such prominent figures as Herzog & de Meuron and Peter Zumthor lead a chorus of innovative new voices emanating from this mountainous nation where craftsmanship, simple beauty, and environmental sensitivity have always been prized values. Swiss Made presents the work of the celebrated studios and architects at the forefront of Swiss design, much of which has never been seen before in the United States. In his introduction, historian Steven Spier provides an overview of Swiss architecture and considers the cultural attitudes that have fostered such refined buildings. Critic Martin Tschantz assesses the Swiss tradition of integrating progressive design, indigenous building techniques, and advanced engineering systems. The cleareyed images of architectural photographer Christian Richters are supplemented by drawings and plans of the many projects included in this handsome volume.
Author Biography: Steven Spier is Professor of Architecture at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. Martin Tschanz was curator of the exhibition "Architecture in the 20th Century: Switzerland" at the Architectural Museum in Frankfurt.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
Swiss architecture has moved into international prominence over the past generation with the creative work of Peter Zumthor and Herzog & de Meuron, among others. The Swiss lead the world in the revival of a very particular minimalist modern style that ruled European modern architecture in the 1920s. Known as Sachlichkeit, or objectivity, it features clean, spare, industrialized surfaces; simple geometric platonic forms; pure, expansive interior spaces; and plain, articulated industrial construction. In the hands of the Swiss, the style produces sublime, elemental aesthetic effects that echo through the recesses of the mind; the awe-inspiring prospect of the Swiss landscape is transmitted into architecture through these wonderful sentinels of ingenuity and imagination. This compact volume by Spier (editor, Urban Visions: Experiencing and Envisioning the City) and critic/curator Tschanz profiles a dozen of the best Swiss architectural firms, except Herzog & de Meuron, which has received generous press coverage elsewhere. Thoughtful essays on each firm as well as introductory and concluding essays are complemented by outstanding color photography and drawings. Highly recommended for major architecture collections in academic and public libraries.-Peter Kaufman, Boston Architectural Ctr. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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