Atmosphères (Gebunden/Hardback) von Peter Zumthor

What "really constitutes an architectural atmosphere," Peter Zumthor says, is "this singular density and mood, this feeling of presence, well-being, harmony, beauty. under whose spell I experience what I otherwise would not experience in precisely this way." Zumthor's passion is the creation of buildings that produce this kind of effect, but how can one actually set out to achieve it? In nine short, illustrated chapters framed as a process of self-observation, Peter Zumthor describes what he has on his mind as he sets about creating the atmosphere of his houses. Images of spaces and buildings that affect him are every bit as important as particular pieces of music or books that inspire him. From the composition and "presence" of the materials to the handling of proportions and the effect of light, this poetics of architecture enables the reader to recapitulate what really matters in the process of house design.

Peter Zumthor, né en 1943, fait partie des architectes suisses les plus renommés de la scène internationale. Il dirige avec quelques collaborateurs une petite agence d'architecture à Haldenstein, près de Coire. Toute sa recherche vise à créer une architecture sensuelle. Parmi ses réalisations les plus connues, citons les thermes de Vals (1996), la maison des arts de Bregenz (1997) ou encore le musée d'art Kolumba à Cologne (2007).