Peter Zumthor

Peter Zumthor (born 26 April, 1943) is a Swiss architect. The son of a cabinet-maker, Zumthor learned carpentry at an early age. He studied at Pratt Institute in New York in the 1960?s. During lean years, Zumthor worked on many historic restoration projects, which gave him a further understanding of construction and the qualities of different rustic building materials. As his practice developed, Zumthor was able to incorporate his knowledge of materials into Modernist construction and detailing. His buildings explore the tactile and sensory qualities of spaces and materials while retaining a minimalist feel.

Related Topics:
26 April - 1943 - Swiss - Architect - Pratt Institute - Modernist - Minimalist

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In 1998, Zumthor received the Carlsberg Architecture Prize for his designs of the Kunsthaus Bregenz in Bregenz, Austria and the Thermal Baths at Vals, Switzerland (see below).

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Zumthor has taught at Southern California Institute of Architecture in Santa Monica, the Technical University of Munich, the Academy of Architecture Mendrisio, Università della Svizzera Italiana, and the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

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Southern California Institute of Architecture in Santa Monica - Technical University of Munich - Harvard Graduate School of Design

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Zumthor's work is largely unpublished in part because of his philosophical belief that architecture must be experienced first hand. His published written work is mostly narrative and phenomenological.

Related Topics:
Philosophical - Narrative - Phenomenological

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Currently, Zumthor works out of his small studio which he founded in 1979, in the town of Haldenstein, Switzerland. He enjoys playing tennis, good cigars, margaritas and jazz.

Related Topics:
Switzerland - Tennis - Cigars - Margaritas - Jazz

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