Architecture's Modern Marvels - #3

The building that hit #3 on Vanity Fair's Modern Marvels list is perhaps my all-time favorite building. It is at least in contention for the top spot. I guess the critics are right when they call Peter Zumthor the architects' architect.

In architecture school, there is always a lot of discussion about the experience of the space. About entry, passage... about the journey.

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The Therme Bath Vals is a spa set up in the mountains of Switzerland, and if any building is about the journey... then it is this one. I drove with friends from Zurich up to Chur and then on to Vals. For someone who hadn't really spent much time in the mountains, the drive was unbelievable. The scenery was so picturesque and quaint - at one time we were stopped by a passing farmer and his herd of cattle!

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By the time we got to Vals, I was soooo ready to be at the spa. The excitement had really been building. As someone who loves minimalist design, but also loves tactile, crafted designs, Zumthor has always been one of my favorite architects.

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Believe me, the spa did not disappoint. The exterior structure is gorgeous, constructed of locally quarried stone in long linear patterns. The massive forms sink into the mountainside, with the green roof furthering the feeling that you are being enveloped by your surroundings.

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Once inside, we donned our bathing suits and made our way into the pools. Talk about the progression of space... I can still remember the different experiences in each pool; the hot water right next to the unbearable cold, the rose petal water, the tiny pool with the highest ceiling, the pass-through from inside to out. We swam and swam until we were so shriveled we couldn't possibly stay any longer.

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Buildings are meant to be experienced, and the Therme Bath Vals was one of the unforgettable experiences of my life. How can you not love this building and this architect?

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A Great Place to Learn

Well, it has been a long week and I'm tired, so pardon me if I'm not totally coherent!

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First off... let me say that I just love this Granada elementary school by Alejandro Munoz Miranda. I have featured a few schools on this site, and they are all actually quite similar. I'm not sure if this shows a common trend or (more likely) a common thread in my tastes.

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I am a big fan of minimal design... Unfortunately, I live in a region that seems to have a physical reaction to the idea of minimal (regionalism and craft are all the rage here). So many architects, designers, and especially clients seem to think that minimal automatically means cold. But, as you can see here... it doesn't have to at all. A minimal structure can still be warm, inviting, an colorful!

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Although I wish the photos included the students actually using the space (why are architects outside of Dwell so reluctant to show people using their buildings?), I can imagine how much fun kids and teachers would have in this building.
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All in all, I really like this project and would love to see it first hand (preferably during the days when students are running around!). Does anyone want to send me to Spain? My bags can be packed immediately! ;)

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Via Spotlight on Design

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Bridges by Benthem Crouwel

People tend to be scared of bridges... never wanting them in their neighborhood. Here in Seattle we're dealing with all kinds of trouble with the 520 interchange and how to do it. Personally, I'd love to see a really lovely bridge go in as part of the solution... so much better than another dreary drawbridge.
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All by Benthem Crouwel

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Although I would prefer to see pictures of this house filled with furniture, books, etc.... I quite like this project. A simple exterior form with minimal detailing and fenestration, and yet the interior is filled with light. I also like the bridge through the main space... it helps break up the otherwise very tall room.

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St House by Taro Kono and Hiroshi Muranishi via Arch Now
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