Vrin, Graubünden

Identity Of Building Elements

Traveling through the Canton of Graubünden in southeastern Switzerland, the visual clarity of the built and natural landscape is striking. From the bold mountain peaks, to the well tended fields and to the compact villages that dot the landscape, the vistas are rich with texture and articulate in form. The threshold between village and farmland can often be measured in feet rather than miles, heightening the visitors’ sense of arrival and place. Thus, it is not unexpected that much of the world’s most articulate and vivid contemporary architecture comes from, or is located near, this region of Switzerland.

The purpose of this study was to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the varied and unique techniques used and often invented by the architects of these unusually pure, quiet and calm contemporary buildings.

The study focused on three main topics:

1. Groupings and variegated surface
2. Pure construction and craft
3. Systems and device integration


Below are introductions and slideshows of two buildings included in this study. Both buildings have a simple and refined material palate that is balanced with a high level of craft, careful detailing and system integration. Please click links below to view:
1. Basel Trade Tower
2. Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein