Contents
Peter Zumthor
Designing Therme Vals and buildings known for their materials, atmosphere and carefully controlled light.
Therme Vals · Kunsthaus Bregenz
- Born
- 26 April 1943
- Birthplace
- Basel, Switzerland
More people
Peter Zumthor
Swiss architect whose small practice has produced influential baths, museums and chapels. He received the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2009.
Early life
Craft background
His father was a cabinet-maker, and he trained in woodworking before architecture.
Design studies
Studied in Basel and at Pratt Institute in New York.
Career
- 1968
Conservation work
Began working on historic buildings in the canton of Graubünden.
- 1979
Independent practice
Established his own architectural office in Haldenstein.
- 1990s onward
International recognition
Built major cultural projects and taught architecture while maintaining a small practice.
Buildings & projects
Therme Vals
Thermal baths built around stone, water and carefully shaped light.
Kunsthaus Bregenz
A museum enclosed by a luminous glass facade.
Kolumba
A Cologne museum incorporating the remains of a bombed church.
Beyond work
Working through materials
His early craft and conservation experience remained central to his design process.
Writing about atmosphere
Published reflections on the sensory qualities of architecture.
Sources & photo credit
Biography and references ↗Biography and contributions ↗Photo: KovacsDaniel. CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
