Monografie / Monography – serie

The publication Ueli Zbinden Architekt is more than just a monograph of his work. It is an inventory of 30 years of teaching and building activity, reflecting the Zurich-based architect’s modern understanding of architecture, derived not from a radical break with tradition, but from a further development of historical, social and cultural continuity. His wide-ranging work reflects the fact that architecture should not only meet design requirements, but also fulfill a social mandate – from social concerns to climate issues – going beyond its purely practical value. This volume highlights that approach, covering projects ranging from the housing estate in Seon (1985–1989) to the design of the town centre for Dietikon (1992–2007).Text in English and German.

Adolf Krischanitz is undoubtedly considered one of the most important representatives of the vibrant and widely regarded Viennese architectural scene in the 1980s and 1990s. A key work in the oeuvre of Krischanitz is the project Quai Zurich Campus, the headquarters of the Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) on Mythenquai, which opened in 2021. It is also the final project implemented by Krischanitz’s Zurich branch. This book presents the hitherto unpublished project in detail, using plans and extensive series of images to shed light on Krischanitz’s architectural stance, which is based on creating something new from existing structures, as well as an inherent, deep-rooted cultural responsibility. The design approach is demonstrated with examples from ­distinct thematic fields and illustrated with construction details and quotes. An essay by Hubertus Adam and interviews with Adolf Krischanitz, as well as other colleagues, highlight the successful path that Krischanitz has taken in Switzerland and his stance towards the constructed environment. His collaboration with artists such as Helmut Federle, Gilbert Bretterbauer and other architects including Meili Peter, Herzog & de Meuron and Alfred Grazioli is also presented to indicate Krischanitz’s perspective on the Swiss architectural scene and the question of the difference be­tween building in Switzerland and Austria. The Zurich Archive presents the insurance corporation’s historic milestones.Ten selected projects present Kirschanitz’s architectural range, supplementing the list of all of his Swiss projects.Text in German.

This volume compiles the buildings and projects produced by Atelier Scheidegger Keller since 2009. The collection is not a traditional architectural monograph, but is instead comparable to the logbook of a ship’s voyage: it records all the particulars and actions on the journey. Models, diagrams, codes, texts, maps, plans, sketches, mock-ups, building and detail plans, engineering and workshop drawings, building-site images and photo series all document the process, as well as the spatial, typological and constructive research involved. The result is direct insight into the multifaceted working methods and conceptual world of Atelier Scheidegger Keller. The four constructed buildings include the highly-acclaimed House with two Columns in Wilen (2014) and the Rosengarten student accommodation in Zurich-Wipkingen (2020), with its raw materialisation and double-storey halls and loggias. Text contributions by: Christian Scheidegger, Jürg KellerWith articles from various sources by: Tibor Joanelly, Christian Kerez, Mario Monotti, Christoph Ramisch, Christoph Wieser, Raphael Zuber et al.Text in English and German.

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.

Robaldo Morozzo della Rocca (1904–1993) shaped the architectural landscape of Italy – especially Genoa – through changing times. His work is impossible to categorise and, without taking any political stance, expressed itself in a variety of styles between the periods of the monarchy and the republic: from futurism to neoplasticism, and from Fascist rhetoric to experiments with concrete.This monograph not only reconstructs the past, but also reveals the present-day ­relevance of Morozzo della Rocca’s approaches. It demonstrates how it is possible to take an autonomous path and simultaneously develop a universal vision of the world through architecture. Presenting his most important works – ranging from villas and palazzi to apartment buildings and his INA Casa projects – this publication traces the story of an architect who was ahead of his time and whose influence is tangible to this day.

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.

The British architect Tony Fretton has long been renowned as a pioneer of London’s architectural scene, winning many commendations and prizes for his buildings. Highlights include the Lisson Gallery in London, for which he attracted initial attention in 1990, as well as the Red House in London (2001) and the Danish Fuglsang Art Museum (2008).The three parts of this comprehensive and conclusive monograph address all aspects of his creative oeuvre: including his buildings, sketches, project ideas and his non-architectural photographic work. The reserved design of this overall presentation reflects his own rational, unembellished work, which is inspired by each respective location.

The buildings by Durrer Architekten possess a certain self-evidence, as if they had always been there. Their complexity only becomes apparent at second glance. The architecture of the two Lucerne-based architects with roots in Obwalden preserves the identity of established townscapes and settlements through its careful integration into the built environment and complements them with quality and care. This is achieved thanks to their profound knowledge of architectural history and their finely tuned sense of what is appropriate in each place and for each task.This monograph presents a body of work that mediates between tradition and the present and understands architecture as a responsible, sustainable cultural practice, characterised by a finely tuned sense of scale, attitude and significance.Text in German.