Quart Publishers – förlag

The British architect Tony Fretton has long been renowned for a refined, minimalist language with its own distinctive vocabulary. His award-winning projects combine innovation with a deep understanding of place, culture and community. The practice first gained international recognition with the Lisson Gallery (1990) as well as the Red House in London (2001). Other well-known works include Two Apartments in Groningen (2001), the Fuglsang Art Museum in Lolland (2008), Anish Kapoor’s house in London (2008) or the British Embassy in Warsaw (2009).The two volumes of this definitive monograph cover four decades of work by Tony Fretton Architects. The first volume, Buildings, comprises a text by Christoph Grafe while in the second volume, Projects, essays by Benjamin Machin, Mark Pimlott and Irina Davidovici contextualise the oeuvre. The elegant and restrained graphic design of the publication reflects Fretton’s rational, unembellished style.The separate volume Photographs (978-3-03761-384-9) acts as a companion to this monograph, presenting a selection of Fretton’s photographs between 2010 and 2025.

Apartment floor plans have a decisive influence on our lives. In the last 30 years, Swiss housing architecture has successively introduced the new ideal of floor plans with open and flexible uses. The aim is to offer spatial qualities to residents who are not yet clearly defined, thereby fulfilling the changing requirements of a diverse society. This publication presents five Swiss architects providing insight on their “good plans” with short texts and images: Elli Mosayebi (EMI Architekten); Jeannette Kuo (Karamuk Kuo Architects); Maria Conen (Conen Sigl Architekt:innen); Lütjens Padmanabhan (Lütjens Padmanabhan Architekten); Philipp Esch (Esch ­Sintzel Architekten).

Muzharul Islam (1923–2012) has left behind an outstanding architectural legacy in Bangladesh, with a significance reaching far beyond the temporal and geographical horizons of its creation. Yet until now, his work has remained relatively unknown despite its relevance and singularity. This monograph presents numerous photographs and reproductions of detailed original drawings to introduce a series of unique buildings to an international audience, highlighting the Bengali architect’s way of thinking and actions, as well as his engagement in cross-cultural dialogue. Contributions by practising architects from different continents present multifaceted perspectives on Islam’s work, placing him within a historical context and global interconnections. Muzharul Islam’s pioneering and timeless works address burning issues that are currently shaping the global architectural debate: climate-sensitive and self-sufficient construction, social engagement and overcoming colonial mindsets are all fields that the architect pursued relentlessly since the beginning of his career in the 1950s.

The British architect Tony Fretton has long been renowned for a refined, minimalist language with its own distinctive vocabulary. His award-winning projects combine innovation with a deep understanding of place, culture and community. The practice first gained international recognition with the Lisson Gallery as well as the Red House in London. But Fretton has also made a name for himself with his non-architectural work, ranging from performance art, video installations, drawings to photographs. Photographs is a book of Fretton’s photographs, taken between 2010 and 2025, showing where he lives, works and teaches, and his journeys in London and beyond. It is a companion to the two-volume architectural monograph Tony Fretton, Buildings and Projects and conveys the visual and social sensibility that underlies his work in architecture, drawing and writing. Photographs is published in conjunction with the exhibition Tony Fretton: Practice at the S AM Swiss Architecture Museum in Basel.

Working from his Urbana practice in Bangladesh, Kashef Chowdhury designs architecture that is rooted in the history and nature of its location – whereby the latter also relates to a spiritual and cultural level. This explains his fascination for Kahn’s parliamentary building in Dhaka, which inspired this volume of photo essays. Kahn’s design is characterised by an innovative architectural language that combines western and eastern traditions, forms and materials. For instance, in view of the great importance of water in Bengali tradition, he placed the building complex by an artificial lake. Furthermore, although it is defined by strict geometrical forms, the parliamentary building reflects the transcendental nature of the National Assembly, defining the hopeful founding years of the independent state of Bangladesh.

In times of global crises, architecture must also seek new sustainable approaches to climatic and social challenges. Designed by Kashef Chowdhury / Urbana, the Friendship Hospital in southern Bangladesh can be regarded as pioneering in this respect. The hospital, which was awarded the 2022 RIBA International Prize, provides life-saving healthcare, as well as enhancing the identity of a coastal region that has been devastated by cyclones and soil salinisation as a result of rising sea levels. Constructed in local brickwork, the architecture collects the valuable rainwater and uses the wind for natural cooling, while subtly interacting with specific characteristics of the world’s largest river delta. It also applies universal architectural means such as space, light and proportions to ensure the well-being of patients and the people close to them. A profound architectural stance developed out of the geography and history of the local context makes this work globally relevant. This book, which includes a photo essay by Hélène Binet, presents plans, diagrams and model photos that offer insight into the design and construction process in one of the world’s most climate-affected regions.

In his office Urbana, Bangladesh, Kashef Chowdhury designs architecture that is rooted in the history and nature of the location. Nature in this sense not only consists of vegetation, plants and forests, but also the spiritual and cultural context of a specific environment and landscape. The range of his works includes the transformation of ships, the development of housing and the construction of mosques, museums and corporate headquarters. All of his projects have the common feature that they are based on comprehensive research work, aimed at applying an awareness of a specific location and its nature to achieve a high degree of innovation and original expression. This combination of traditional building styles and contemporary architecture often has an inspirational effect. Das Bewusstsein des Ortes /The Consciousness Of Place is Chowdhury’s philosophical engagement with his own understanding of architecture, based on his research and lectures. It focuses on the significance of architecture, which is able to connect us to nature and liberate us from hectic urban life. Buildings and workplaces should be transformed into oases of peace and relaxation in order to benefit from nature’s regenerative and relaxing qualities. Chowdhury stresses the need to listen to nature and appreciate its beauty. Accordingly, he prefers natural materials in his projects, while also using the interplay of light and shadow as a key element to create spaces that inspire us to pause and think. This publication is a manifesto of a form of architecture that harmonises with the respective location, reflecting the identity of its culture and people. Chowdhury regards his task not so much as work and more as an activity stemming from his love of an art form that serves the people – which he believes is the nature of architecture.In recent years, Chowdhury’s constructed works have attracted international attention and have been awarded prizes such as the 2022 RIBA International Prize and the 2016 Aga Khan Award for Architecture.Text in German.

Conradin Clavuot’s work is based on his dedication to his own roots, his discussions during his training in the field of Analogue Architecture, and the values he learned to implement while working for the architect Peter Zumthor. With his minimalist approach and integration of natural elements, Conradin Clavuot has played a key role in shaping the modern architectural landscape in the last 30 years. The works of the Chur-based architect are characterised by clear lines and a harmony with the landscape, while also combining conception, functionality, regionalist cultural interests and constructive sophistication. In recognition of his overall work, this publication compiles his most formative buildings in hand-stitched volumes and a striking slipcase. The publication presents projects including the school facility in Laax (2023), the emergency unit of the Waldhaus Psychiatric Clinic in Chur (2022), the Carboni-Brot single-family home in Rhäzüns (2014), the Kuoni house in San Nazzaro (2012), the ­railway station in Chur (2006), the school with a multipurpose hall in St. Peter (1998) and the Vorderprättigau Substation in Seewis (1995).Text in English and German.

In the 90s a group of architects formed in London that moved towards a matter-of-fact, unspectacular architecture inspired by the location. A key work and model in this style was Tony Fretton's Lisson Gallery from 1992 with its unembellished facade and strong lines, constructed virtually "without details" and integrated into the row of buildings. Text in English and German.

Since his first projects in the 1980s, drawings have always accompanied the architectural work of Peter Märkli. They are patiently recorded images and thoughts that occasionally have an associative relationship with the designs. Often however they are independent, free notes based on inner images. This volume compiles a large number of such drawings. Eight texts by various authors from different cultural fields and an overview of all drawings produced since the beginning complement this remarkable collection. Since the 1980s, Peter Märkli has been one of the most important architects in Switzerland, where he enjoys a very special status. Text in English and German.

Renovation, conversion and restoration are challenging architectural tasks that are seldom discussed. For many years now, the architect couple from Zurich have pursued this topic with great care, creating notable conversions and restorations such as the Zurich projects to convert a maintenance depot, extend the Villa Rainhof, convert the Homburger commercial building and renovate the Tonhalle. Includes articles by Elisabeth & Martin Boesch. Text in English and German.

The clear and fundamental train of thought that forms the basis for every design by the London architects leads to projects that are characterized to an equal extent by the utilisation and the location-specific, constructive requirements. A semi-detached house in London is thus transformed into a complex organism that is incorporated respectfully into the housing development.Text in English and German.

Since 1989, the Winterthur architect Beat Rothen has continuously extended and independently developed his exciting work although he is often overlooked today. While his earlier works were mainly residential buildings and estates, his most recent projects include administrative buildings with an architectural language that reveals a heightened forcefulness and consistency. Text in English and German.

The wealth and originality of space, materials and forms have always remained the motto of the Basel team of architects led by Luca Selva. We see them in various residential settlements in the region around Basel. They are all designed with an exceptionally experimental impetus and a spatial richness resulting from a clear, principled approach.Text in English and German.

The renowned Dutch architectural scene of the 90s was followed by a generation of architects whose buildings are less spectacularly designed, but all the more refined and aware of the location and its atmosphere. They include Peter Wingender and Joost Hovenier. Their buildings harmoniously resonate with the specific mood of the location.Text in English and German.

It is rare that an architectural ensemble can be produced all at once. A true football stadium in a traditional cauldron shape that is highly coherent in itself, a geometrically clear-cut cuboid building with swimming baths and gymnasia, and two high-rise towers with modern urban apartments are all parts of a well-conceived composition that gives an identity to Lucerne's Allmend and designs and ennobles the location in an impressive way. The project by the Lucerne architects Daniele Marques and Iwan Bühler is the result of a prominent, internationally announced architectural competition. The design was developed further and fine-tuned during the demanding, intensive planning phase involving a wide range of uses and users. The book presents this exceptional project - which is also unique for Lucerne, its residents, the national football world and the Lucerne football club alike - including images and plans. Two architectural critiques study the architecturally valuable ensemble in detail.Text in English and German.

Detlef Horisberger and Mario Wagen are talented young Zurich architects who initially gained experience in renowned Swiss agencies and have excelled with numerous competition successes and impressive designs. This volume presents three forward-looking school buildings, public developments and exciting residential projects.Text in German with an English insert.

Frank Schneider, Cornelia Mattiello-Schwaller and Mike Mattiello, all three of whom were born in Solothurn but are now based in Zurich, have produced numerous competition successes. They became internationally renowned with their metal workshop design for the Zurich Dynamo youth centre, which was designed in a gripping "unity of materials". This volume compiles the buildings and projects they have produced since then.Text in German with an English insert.

Helmut Dietrich and Much Untertrifaller are among the most important protagonists of the Vorarlberg architectural scene, which has become an established force in contemporary European architecture since the 1990s. This volume presents a significant selection of their extensive work and includes an in-depth introduction by the renowned Arts Editor of the NZZ.Text in English and German.

What does an architectural guide look like in an age when the world's knowledge is carried around in small devices in your pocket? The second edition of the Guide to Buildings in Zug, documenting a century of planning and construction in the canton, provides an answer: It is a large, 300-page illustrated volume that is dedicated not only to the architecture, but also to questions of spatial and landscape planning. Packed with images, the architectural guide is intended for the coffee tables of a wider audience, rather than the library.Text in German.

The work by Jeroen Geurst and Rens Schulze with their office in The Hague includes countless major buildings and facilities, mostly in an urban environment, which behave in an eminently urban way: They are confidently integrated into the urban planning structures and into the relevant atmosphere of the location. They alternate between modesty and an expression of strong character.Text in English and German.

The conversion of a small residential and studio building in several stages is the highly elaborate transformation of a modest home. The two St. Gallen architects Peter Oestreich and Markus Schmid ultimately gained their reputation through the intelligently conceived triple sports hall in Mörschwil, as well as the residential and nursing centre in Flawil, which is coherently integrated into the village structure.Text in English and German.

The school extension in Andeer stands confidently and memorably beside the existing 1950s building. The building is a typical example of the intensive work by the Zurich architects Peter Joos and Christoph Mathys. Their buildings draw from the architectural potential of the location and transform it in their buildings with an enhanced degree of dignity and poetry. Text in English and German.

Hans Cometti and Norbert Truffer belong to two different architectural generations. Since 2008, they have operated their joint office in Lucerne. This volume connects their exciting individual, independent architectural backgrounds and documents the high-quality buildings they have jointly designed. Text in English and German.

The young Zurich architects Ralph Blättler and Gilles Dafflon meticulously and intensely pursue a wide range of architectural tasks, be they smaller, rigorously developed conversions, well-conceived residential buildings or larger projects following competition success, in which they implement the experience they have gathered among renowned international architects. Text in German.

Buildings by the Geneva architect Pierre-Alain Dupraz always reveal experimental elements, little inventions that are refined to produce an aesthetic overall result. For instance a villa is developed out of a module of prefabricated garage boxes, or a crèche has underground rooms aligned around a large interior courtyard. Text in English and German.

The buildings compiled in this volume by the Augsburg architects Titus Bernhard are committed to classical modernism. They are extremely sculptural and highly experimental in terms of their choice of materials. Based on those principles, an extensive, superior body of work has been developed since 1995. Text in English and German.

Each design by the architects Valéry Clavien and Nicola Rossier, who work in Geneva and the Wallis region, consistently or even radically implements a design concept. For instance above an untouched basement floor, a small rural building with a new upper level was created with diverse, ingenious references to the basement floor and the new residential use.Text in German with English translation sheet.

Peter Baumberger and Karin Stegmeier are young architects who have produced high-quality Zurich housing in recent years. In addition to their highly refined residential architecture, they have designed inspired buildings such as the extension to the Dietlikon village school or the extension to the primary school centre in Laufen.Text in English and German.