Concretion, abstraction: the place of materials in architectural design processes. Case study: Peter Zumthor

Abstract

Today the design processes are fundamental for the understanding of architectural projects, since universal rules of composition (harmony) and common ideals (beauty) have failed to support them exhaustively. A possible stable common ground to all constructed projects remains in the act of construction. Peter Zumthor's work is representative of this new framework. In his designs, he explores synergies between the abstract paper work and the concrete constructive realities. When explaining his projects, he highlights the design process which encompasses the abstraction, the materiality and the reality. This paper bears relevance for both practitioners and theorists at two levels: it explores the theoretical relevance and the practical tools of an outstanding referential architect. It explores, with the specific tools of the architect, the design process of his projects through the question of materials. The analysis is based on both his writings and his realized projects.