Studio Visit Switzerland + Austria
“To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote, to travel is to live.”
― Hans Christian Andersen
Richard Sennett once wrote that craftsmanship in essence, is the meticulous pursuit of a perfection that we inherently know is unattainable.
In our pursuit of enhancing our architectural expertise and craftsmanship, our studio embarked on a research-led journey to Switzerland and Austria, where we explored some of the most remarkable zero-energy structures and exquisite craftsmanship in the Bregenzerwald region.
A particular highlight of our expedition was our visit to the Werkraum, a testament to Architect Peter Zumthor's commitment to craft.
Nestled in Austria, the Werkraum stands as an example of material and structural simplicity. Within its 700-square-meter expanse, architectural models, both recent and previously unreleased, are elegantly displayed as part of a carefully curated exhibition. These models offer a glimpse into the interplay of materials, techniques, and aesthetics that form the heart of each project.
In a world dominated by digitalisation, these models perhaps serve as a reminder of the profound power of handiwork. Against the backdrop of computer-aided design, the Atelier team recognises the importance of grounding architecture in its essential materiality.
These models our team experienced at the exhibition were not mere displays; they are living embodiments of the creative process and enable a sort of visceral understanding of a building's constituent and atmospheric elements.
In a world where digital progress often overshadows traditional methods, the Werkraum models stand as a humble reminder that the allure of authenticity and tactile creation endures.
This journey to Austria and Switzerland has no doubt left an indelible mark on our studio, inspiring us to continue to hone our craft, reinforcing the themes of deep quality and craftsmanship that are embodied in the buildings we make.
As our studio visit came to a close, I was reminded of a quote by Saint Augustine that perhaps fits this journey quite well… “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
See you out there…
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