Atmosphären

A poetics of architecture

What "really constitutes an architectural atmosphere"? Peter Zumthor says, is "this singular density and mood, this feeling of presence, well-being, harmony, beauty ... under whose spell I experience what I otherwise would not experience in precisely this way." Zumthor's passion is the creation of buildings that produce this kind of effect, but how can one actually set out to achieve it? In nine short, illustrated chapters framed as a process of self-observation, Peter Zumthor describes what he has on his mind as he sets about creating the atmosphere of his houses. Images of spaces and buildings that affect him are every bit as important as particular pieces of music or books that inspire him. From the composition and "presence" of the materials to the handling of proportions and the effect of light, this poetics of architecture enables the reader to recapitulate what really matters in the process of house design.

• A window onto Peter Zumthor's personal sources of inspiration
• Every double page contains an illustration that brings the thoughts of the architect to life
• English Edition: Atmospheres (9783764374952) / French Edition: Atmosphères (9783764388416)

Autorentext
Peter Zumthor, geb. 1943, gehört international zu den renommiertesten Schweizer Architekten. In Haldenstein bei Chur führt er eine kleine Architekturmanufaktur mit wenigen Mitarbeitern. Sein Bestreben ist es, Architektur sinnlich erlebbar zu machen. Zu seinen bekanntesten Bauten zählen u.a. Therme Vals 1996, Kunsthaus Bregenz 1997, Kunstmuseum Kolumba, Köln 2007.

Zusammenfassung

A poetics of architecture

What "really constitutes an architectural atmosphere"? Peter Zumthor says, is "this singular density and mood, this feeling of presence, well-being, harmony, beauty ... under whose spell I experience what I otherwise would not experience in precisely this way." Zumthor's passion is the creation of buildings that produce this kind of effect, but how can one actually set out to achieve it? In nine short, illustrated chapters framed as a process of self-observation, Peter Zumthor describes what he has on his mind as he sets about creating the atmosphere of his houses. Images of spaces and buildings that affect him are every bit as important as particular pieces of music or books that inspire him. From the composition and "presence" of the materials to the handling of proportions and the effect of light, this poetics of architecture enables the reader to recapitulate what really matters in the process of house design.

• A window onto Peter Zumthor's personal sources of inspiration
• Every double page contains an illustration that brings the thoughts of the architect to life
• English Edition: Atmospheres (9783764374952) / French Edition: Atmosphères (9783764388416)