Names to Know at the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial: Christ & Gantenbein
Swiss National Museum Extension by Christ & Gantenbein
Zurich
The 2016 extension to the Swiss National Museum in Zurich takes the shape of a dramatically bent bridge that offers exhibition spaces, a study center, and an auditorium.
Photo © Walter Mair
Kunstmuseum Basel Extension by Christ & Gantenbein
Basel, Switzerland
Rendered through different shades of gray, a self-supporting brick wall constitutes the envelope of this 2016 extension. The facade features a frieze with LED strips sunk into the grooves of bricks to create embedded illuminated text.
Photo © Walter Mair
Commercial and Residential High-rise
Pratteln, Switzerland
Completed in 2016, the 20-story tower sits atop a podium that contains offices and retail. The floor plans of the 76 apartments inside the tower were designed to face south, maximizing natural light and fresh air while minimizing noise pollution.
Photo © Stefano Graziani
Emanuel Christ and Christoph Gantenbein
Photo courtesy Chicago Architecture Biennial
In 1998, architects Emanuel Christ and Christoph Gantenbein established their practice in Basel, Switzerland. RECORD asked them five questions about their work in preparation for the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Scroll through the slideshow above to see some of their key projects.
Architectural Record: Tell us about your practice. Can you describe your practice in 3 sentences?
- We work with precedents: architecture is not about invention but an act of mediating tradition
- We believe in the sustainability of form
- We are fascinated with anonymous buildings
How do you get into the creative headspace?
By walking through the metropolis.
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Who are your design heroes?
Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Hans Poelzig and Alejandro de la Sota.
What do you hope to contribute to the Chicago Biennial?
A statement on contemporary monuments.
Most importantly, when it comes to pizza, deep dish or thin crust?
Thin crust.
The Chicago Architecture Biennial runs from September 19, 2017, to January 7, 2018. Read more of our coverage of the event here.
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