Form and resistance are the essence of all architectural work. This is especially clear in the interaction between the effect and construction method of façades. They orchestrate the transition between interior and exterior worlds, they manifest the underlying approach and the way buildings behave towards their surroundings. In their articulation of engineering and aesthetics, supporting and loads, proportion and practicality, and rhythm and materiality, they reflect both varying production methods and social value systems.
Architect Lando Rossmaier worked with students at the University of Lucerne to study the range of architectural means of construction and expression with respect to Swiss townhouse façades. This anthology presents a selection of 86 buildlings with sensitively developed tectonics, dating from the 20th-century to the present day, all of which have formed a backdrop for an urban way of life for decades. Like a manual, the effect is demonstrated using a photographic portrait and a description of the construction method, using detailed tectonic isometrics. The collection is supplemented by ten projects by contemporary Swiss architects, with essays on their understanding of tectonics.
Contributions by: Dr. Bettina Köhler, Roger Boltshauser, Buol & Zünd Architekten, Edelaar Mosayebi Inderbitzin Architekt*innen, Enzmann Fischer Partner Architekten, Joos & Mathys Architekten, Käferstein & Meister Architekten, Knapkiewicz & Fickert Architekten, Loeliger Strub Architektur, Lütjens Padmanabhan Architekt*innen, Bosshard Vaquer Architekten, Caruso St John Architects
Form and resistance are the essence of all architectural work. This is especially clear in the interaction between the effect and construction method of façades. They orchestrate the transition between interior and exterior worlds, they manifest the underlying approach and the way buildings behave towards their surroundings. In their articulation of engineering and aesthetics, supporting and loads, proportion and practicality, and rhythm and materiality, they reflect both varying production methods and social value systems.
Architect Lando Rossmaier worked with students at the University of Lucerne to study the range of architectural means of construction and expression with respect to Swiss townhouse façades. This anthology presents a selection of 86 buildlings with sensitively developed tectonics, dating from the 20th-century to the present day, all of which have formed a backdrop for an urban way of life for decades. Like a manual, the effect is demonstrated using a photographic portrait and a description of the construction method, using detailed tectonic isometrics. The collection is supplemented by ten projects by contemporary Swiss architects, with essays on their understanding of tectonics.
Contributions by: Dr. Bettina Köhler, Roger Boltshauser, Buol & Zünd Architekten, Edelaar Mosayebi Inderbitzin Architekt*innen, Enzmann Fischer Partner Architekten, Joos & Mathys Architekten, Käferstein & Meister Architekten, Knapkiewicz & Fickert Architekten, Loeliger Strub Architektur, Lütjens Padmanabhan Architekt*innen, Bosshard Vaquer Architekten, Caruso St John Architects
