Einzelausgabe (Quart Verlag) – serie

In 1906, the Hotel Palace was built along Lucerne’s prominent Quai Promenade according to plans by Heinrich Meili-Wapf – one of the most important Lucerne architects of the time. The mighty building, which appears as if it were developed out of a single block, is regarded as one of the most important Swiss hotel developments of its time, both due to its pioneering construction and building technology, and due to its architectural design.After several interior conversions that were typical for the times of their implementation, the building was carefully and comprehensively renewed by the Lucerne-based architect Iwan Bühler between 2018 and 2022, taking aspects of monument preservation into account. This demanded ideally preserving the existing building fabric, while revealing and reproducing the building’s often differentiated and subtle qualities, as well as the wealth of the original building. The work also included carefully renewing individual elements inside and outside the building to accommodate current utilisation.This book documents the original building from 1906 with historical plans and photographs, while shedding light on the hotel’s activities and daily life in recent decades. The volume also presents extensive planning and photographic material to demonstrate the strategy and measures applied to the architecturally and historically import­ant building.The exciting project presentation includes illuminating essays by Peter Omachen on the foundation and importance of the original hotel, and by Cony Grünenfelder, Cantonal Monument Preservation Officer, who followed the refurbishment with an expert and insightful eye. Text in English and German.

Form and resistance are the essence of all architectural work. This is especially clear in the interaction between the effect and construction method of façades. They orchestrate the transition between interior and exterior worlds, they manifest the underlying approach and the way buildings behave towards their surroundings. In their articulation of engineering and aesthetics, supporting and loads, proportion and practicality, and rhythm and materiality, they reflect both varying production methods and social value systems.The architect Lando Rossmaier worked with students at the University of Lucerne to study the range of architectural means of construction and expression with respect to Swiss townhouse façades. This anthology presents a selection of around 80 buildings with sensitively developed tectonics, dating from the 20th-century to the present day, all of which have formed a backdrop for an urban way of life for decades. Like a manual, the effect is demonstrated using a photographic portrait and a description of the construction method, using detailed tectonic isometrics. The collection is supplemented by ten projects by contemporary Swiss architects, with essays on their understanding of tectonics.Text in German.Articles: Dr. Bettina Köhler, Roger Boltshauser, Buol & Zünd Architekten, Edelaar Mosayebi Inderbitzin Architekt*innen, Enzmann Fischer Partner Architekten, Joos & Mathys Architekten, Käferstein & Meister Architekten, Knapkiewicz & Fickert Architekten, Loeliger Strub Architektur, Lütjens Padmanabhan Architekt*innen, Bosshard Vaquer Architekten, Caruso St John Architects

Swiss architects discuss the design process in a total of eight interviews. The interviews focus on the importance of architecture for the designers, how a task is approached, the value of the image, how building laws are addressed and how the challenges of climate change are handled. The texts provide fascinating insights into the work of the architects. The interviews were conducted with Barbara Buser (Baubüro Insitu), Andreas Bründler (Buchner Bründler Architekten), Christian Kerez, Roger Boltshauser, Oliver Lütjens and Thomas Padmanabhan, Annette Gigon (Gigon Guyer), Steffen Hägele and Tina Küng (DU Studio) and Stefan Wülser. The different and sometimes contradictory attitudes of the architects reveal what architecture can be and how many different approaches there are. The eight interviews are supplemented by illustrations and plans that playfully refer to the architecture discussed.Text in German.

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. 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.

Brutales Luzern presents Brutalism in the Swiss Canton of Lucerne. In recent years, the phenomenon of Brutalism has enjoyed great international attention. The 53 portraits in this publication present the incredible diversity of this expressive architecture in the Lucerne region. It is incredible how much the relatively small region of 1,500 square kilometres has to offer. The most important buildings from the 1960s and 1970s are presented chronologically, including numerous photographs, compact, detailed information and extensively documented plans.The selection of private and public buildings, such as schools, municipal administrations, homes for the elderly, churches, monasteries, missionary and theological colleges, industrial facilities and infrastructure, is remarkable. It includes outstanding and widely appreciated buildings, as well as lesser known examples. A plan provides an overview of the buildings and an essay locates Swiss Brutalism in an architectural-historical context. The book also serves as a useful travel guide for architecture enthusiasts.Text in German.

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.

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).

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).Text in German.

This book documents the exemplary planning and implementation of renovation work led by Jaccaud + Associés in the Cité du Lignon, Vernier near Geneva between 2010 and 2024. The Cité, which was built between 1963 and 1971 by Georges Addor, Dominique Julliard, Jacques Bolliger and Louis Payot, is one of the largest housing estates in Switzerland and has been preservation-listed since 2009. The Cité’s renovation was the subject of numerous studies and developments that have gradually resulted in the establishment of a major building site since 2012, which continues to operate today. The measures have improved the façades’ thermal insulation, renovated the communal areas and circulation routes, adapted the buildings to fire-safety regulations and renewed the technical shafts. Renovation work on the building envelope was implemented according to three principles, as presented in the studies by the TSAM Labor­atory at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. Building work on the more than 1,000 apartments was carried out without interruptions to normal operations, thereby ensuring that residents were inconvenienced as little as possible during the measures. This book gives a voice to the main protagonists of this team task and is illustrated by two photographers, Leo Fabrizio and Paola Corsini, who documented the completed project and its building stages from their own perspectives.Text in French

This book documents the exemplary planning and implementation of renovation work led by Jaccaud + Associés in the Cité du Lignon, Vernier near Geneva between 2010 and 2024. The Cité, which was built between 1963 and 1971 by Georges Addor, Dominique Julliard, Jacques Bolliger and Louis Payot, is one of the largest housing estates in Switzerland and has been preservation-listed since 2009. The Cité’s renovation was the subject of numerous studies and developments that have gradually resulted in the establishment of a major building site since 2012, which continues to operate today. The measures have improved the façades’ thermal insulation, renovated the communal areas and circulation routes, adapted the buildings to fire-safety regulations and renewed the technical shafts. Renovation work on the building envelope was implemented according to three principles, as presented in the studies by the TSAM Labor­atory at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. Building work on the more than 1,000 apartments was carried out without interruptions to normal operations, thereby ensuring that residents were inconvenienced as little as possible during the measures. This book gives a voice to the main protagonists of this team task and is illustrated by two photographers, Leo Fabrizio and Paola Corsini, who documented the completed project and its building stages from their own perspectives.

Building on her experience following a several-week trip to Taliesin West, Kora Bürgi investigates Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture and traces his work in the USA and Switzerland. The result of the field research is a presentation of his influence on the Central Swiss architectural landscape – a theme that has not been studied before. That influence ranges from partial copies of elements of Wright’s architecture to own interpretations of his architectural ideas. This publication analyses 14 buildings in Central Switzerland – from the Heimbach school and the Villa Schnyder (both in Lucerne) to the residential buildings in Brodhubl (Canton of Obwalden) – including Wright’s influence on various architects, such as Josef Gasser, Lisbeth Sachs and Otto von Deschwanden. The author also sheds light on the distribution of Wright’s urban-planning principles and the future of his architecture in Switzerland.Text in German.

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.

This book documents the transformation of the Ancien Manège in Geneva, a horse riding hall that was built in the 19th century and converted into a garage in the 1950s. The book brings together texts, photographs, plans, construction details and specifications in both French and English. The publication traces the history of the Manège, the participatory process that led to its transformation into a civic building, the architectural project, the execution of the works and the building’s current use. With graphic design by Studio Mut, it includes a series of conversations curated by Isabel Concheiro and photographic essays by David Grandorge, Andrés Fraga, Didier Jordan and Luis Díaz y Díaz. The book highlights contemporary issues relating to heritage transformation, sustainable development and shared governance. Intended for both professionals and the general public, it offers an in-depth perspective on an exemplary reuse project within a complex urban and historical context.Text in English and French.

Born in Menziken (Switzerland) in 1970 and living in Beinwil am See, the Zurich-based architect Ralph Blättler is a "quiet observer", as Gabriela Mazza writes in her essay accompanying this photographic volume. His atmospheric images unfold like cinematic still lifes. He captures architecture and landscape in a way that reveals both their "quiet beauty" and the "poetry of the incidental". The present publication brings together a seemingly random sequence of apparently casual architectural and landscape photographs taken in Switzerland, France and Italy. All of them share Blättler’s unfailing eye for the perfect frame, one that captures the mood of a place more eloquently than words, as Max Küng notes in his contribution.Text in German and French.

The Zurich Atlas is aimed at a broad audience interested in the dynamics of urban development and reveals the network of relationships between Zurich’s urban form and its urban codes. Based on collaborative research projects conducted at the Accademia di architettura in Mendrisio and ETH Zurich, it demonstrates – through various historical case studies from 1900 to the present – how the regulatory, legal, and normative frameworks influence the city physical and social conditions and vice versa. It also shows that these urban codes not only confirm the status quo and settle current conflicts, but also articulate visions for the city.Text in German.