Peter Zumthor, Swiss architect, sometimes called “the poet of the silence”, was awarded a Pritzker Prize – one of the highest recognitions for architects. Zumthor is known for his approach to architecture, which assumes multisensual perception. While some have called his architecture quiet, his buildings masterfully assert their presence, engaging many of our senses, not just our sight but also our senses of touch, hearing and smell.
In Pritzker Prize Jury Citation we can read:
“His buildings have a commanding presence, yet they prove the power of judicious intervention, showing us again and again that modesty in approach and boldness in overall result are not mutually exclusive. Humility resides alongside strength. While some have called his architecture quiet, his buildings masterfully assert their presence, engaging many of our senses, not just our sight but also our senses of touch, hearing and smell.”
The eye, the ear, the mind … The room comfort has different dimensions. Peter Zumthor himself, said in an interview for Forum weekly:
“I’m experiencing architecture like everybody. I feel its atmosphere composed of light, shadow, sound and touch sensation. This is obviously nothing new under the sun. We perceive atmosphere of good architecture the same way that we use to experience beloved places of our childhood. Sight is foreground, but hearing for instance, build its background. All senses are important in process of perception.”
To visit Pritzker Prize site clickhere
To watch video about Peter Zumthor’s thermal bath in Vals click here
