Martin Tschanz Bücher

Since the introduction of steel as a building material in the early twentieth century, its superior performance has challenged conventional wisdom about construction, enabling designs of surprising lightness and span. Steel offered the opportunity to significantly expand buildings vertically and thus emerged as a symbol of the conflict between technological progress and the architectural ideal. More recently, the use of exposed steel elements in modern architecture ushered in a rediscovery of buildings’ metamorphoses.From the Eames House in Los Angeles to the Hôtel Tassel in Brussels and the Maison de Verre in Paris, At Home in Steel celebrates the use of steel in residential architecture. Despite not often serving as direct models for new designs today and with more stringent regulations on fire and structural safety and energy efficiency in place, these icons should inspire architects to rediscover the advantages of using steel in contemporary residential architecture, from industrial prefabrication and a swift and dry construction process to structural adaptability over a building’s lifetime. Drawing on recent research at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Constructive Design, the essays in At Home in Steel reflect on steel residential architecture from today’s perspective and feature contemporary examples by Atelier Bow-Wow, Christian Kerez, Lacaton and Vassal, and Made In, among others.

When it comes to architecture, Switzerland wields an international influence that belies its small geographic size. Such prominent figures as Herzog & de Meuron and Peter Zumthor lead a chorus of innovative new voices emanating from this mountainous nation where craftsmanship, simple beauty, and environmental sensitivity have always been prized values. "Swiss Made" presents the work of the celebrated studios and architects at the forefront of Swiss design, much of which has never been seen before in the United States. In his introduction, historian Steven Spier provides an overview of Swiss architecture and considers the cultural attitudes that have fostered such refined buildings. Critic Martin Tschantz assesses the Swiss tradition of integrating progressive design, indigenous building techniques, and advanced engineering systems. The cleareyed images of architectural photographer Christian Richters are supplemented by drawings and plans of the many projects included in this handsome volume. Swiss Made features the work of: Burkhalter & Sumi, Diener & Diener, Gigon & Guyer, Herzog & de Meuron, Peter Markli, Peter Zumthor, and many others. "Swiss Made" is the companion volume to "SuperDutch."