Atmospheres (Hardcover)

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.

About the Author

Peter Zumthor is a Swiss architect renowned for his uncompromising and minimalist style. With over 50 years of experience and being awarded the Pritzker Prize for Architecture in 2009, Zumthor is considered to be one of the most extraordinary and controversial architects working today. He has written numerous books, including Atmospheres (2006), A Feeling of History (2018), and Thinking Architecture (2010). Currently, he is designing a new building for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, which will be his largest project to date, construction costing roughly $650 million US dollars.