Imposition or Integration: Comparing the Critical Regionalism of Luis Barragan and Phenomenology of Place of Peter Zumthor
Disciplines
Architectural History and Criticism | Urban, Community and Regional Planning
Abstract (300 words maximum)
There something remarkable of one walking into a space that evokes a feeling deeper than the surface and visual – in architecture, that term is coined phenomenology. The phenomenological and regional experiences offered by architecture can behold contrasting and yet converging features that evoke a range of human emotions. This phenomenological nature of place comes in a variety of expressions and perceptions. This paper explores these approaches to context by comparing the works of Latin American architect Luis Barragán and Swedish architect Peter Zumthor- specifically in the works of Barragán’s Torres de Satélite (1957) and Zumthor’s Therme Vals (1996). Besides style, these architects pursue emotionally resonant spaces that deeply connect to humanity, offering a similar sense of dwelling even in their diverging methodologies. Looking specifically into the way these sites were approached, the question of integration versus imposition arises. Torres de Satélite, a group of sculptures planted onto a traffic junction in Mexico City, offers an abrupt yet vernacular presence that is experienced as a reminder of the human capability for innovation in the world. Therme Vals, on the other hand, is notably merged into the rolling hills of Vals, Switzerland, appearing to be emerging from the context itself as a seamless presence both in structure and materiality. Comparing the two, they both offer nostalgic reminders for humanity’s role in existence- being one of creation and innovation yet originating from the earth around us. As Barragan highlights vivid expressiveness of colors and planes, Zumthor highlights an intentional stillness and honesty of materiality and form in its given context. Despite crafting with a similar purpose in mind of heightening our awareness of belonging, both architects can offer information about the way a multifaceted humanity relates to itself.
Use of AI Disclaimer
no
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CACM – Architecture
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Ehsan Sheikholharam
Imposition or Integration: Comparing the Critical Regionalism of Luis Barragan and Phenomenology of Place of Peter Zumthor
There something remarkable of one walking into a space that evokes a feeling deeper than the surface and visual – in architecture, that term is coined phenomenology. The phenomenological and regional experiences offered by architecture can behold contrasting and yet converging features that evoke a range of human emotions. This phenomenological nature of place comes in a variety of expressions and perceptions. This paper explores these approaches to context by comparing the works of Latin American architect Luis Barragán and Swedish architect Peter Zumthor- specifically in the works of Barragán’s Torres de Satélite (1957) and Zumthor’s Therme Vals (1996). Besides style, these architects pursue emotionally resonant spaces that deeply connect to humanity, offering a similar sense of dwelling even in their diverging methodologies. Looking specifically into the way these sites were approached, the question of integration versus imposition arises. Torres de Satélite, a group of sculptures planted onto a traffic junction in Mexico City, offers an abrupt yet vernacular presence that is experienced as a reminder of the human capability for innovation in the world. Therme Vals, on the other hand, is notably merged into the rolling hills of Vals, Switzerland, appearing to be emerging from the context itself as a seamless presence both in structure and materiality. Comparing the two, they both offer nostalgic reminders for humanity’s role in existence- being one of creation and innovation yet originating from the earth around us. As Barragan highlights vivid expressiveness of colors and planes, Zumthor highlights an intentional stillness and honesty of materiality and form in its given context. Despite crafting with a similar purpose in mind of heightening our awareness of belonging, both architects can offer information about the way a multifaceted humanity relates to itself.