Thinking Architecture

In order to design a building with a sensuous connection to life, one must think in a way that goes far beyond form and construction. In these essays Peter Zumthor expresses his motivation in designing&buildings, which speak to our emotions&and understanding in so many ways, and possess a powerful and unmistakable presence and personality. This book, whose first edition has been out of print for years, has been expanded to include three new essays: "Does Beauty Have a Form?,?? "The Magic of the Real,?? and "Light in the Landscape.??? It has&been freshly illustrated throughout with new color photographs of Zumthor??'s new home and studio in Haldenstein, taken specially for this edition by Laura Padgett, &and received a new typography by Hannele Gr??nlund.& “Architecture that is meant to have a sensuous connection to life calls for thinking that goes far beyond form and construction. In his texts, Peter Zumthor articulates what motivates him to design his buildings, which appeal to the visitor’s heart and mind in so many different ways and possess a compelling and unmistakable presence and aura.” The style of Peter Zumthor's work has some affinities with what is often called Swiss minimalism. Zumthor believes "the language of architecture is not a question of a specific style. Every building is built for a specific use in a specific place for a specific society." Translated by Maureen Oberli-Turner With photographs by Hélène Binet Publisher Birkhäuser, Basel, 1999 ISBN 3764361018, 9783764361013 62 pages