Architectural Alchemy
Exploring the groundbreaking work and enduring legacy of the Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron, from their innovative use of materials to their iconic global projects.
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About the Firm
Swiss Origins
Herzog & de Meuron Basel Ltd. is a globally recognized architecture firm headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. Founded in 1978 by Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, the practice has expanded its reach with additional offices in key international cities, including Berlin, Hong Kong, London, Munich, New York City, Paris, and San Francisco.
Leadership & Team
The firm's direction is guided by its founding partners, Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, alongside a dedicated team of senior partners: Christine Binswanger, Ascan Mergenthaler, Stefan Marbach, Jason Frantzen, Andreas Fries, Wim Walschap, and CEO Adrian Keller. This collective leadership oversees a diverse workforce of over 500 employees representing more than 50 nationalities, fostering a rich environment of global perspectives.
Global Footprint
With a portfolio spanning over 600 projects across 40 countries, Herzog & de Meuron has established a significant international presence. Their work is characterized by a deep engagement with context, innovative material exploration, and a distinctive approach to form and function, making them influential figures in contemporary architecture.
History & Recognition
Early Foundations
Established in Basel in 1978 by Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, graduates of ETH Zurich, the firm initially gained traction through minimalist designs and experimental use of materials. Early projects like the Blue House (1980) and the Ricola Storage Building (1987) showcased their nascent approach to form and materiality.
International Acclaim
The 1990s marked a significant expansion of their international reputation. Projects such as the Goetz Collection in Munich, featuring innovative glass cladding, and the Dominus Winery in Napa Valley, known for its integration with the landscape using gabion walls, garnered critical attention. The transformation of London's Bankside Power Station into the Tate Modern (2000) was a pivotal moment, earning praise for its sensitive yet bold adaptive reuse.
Enduring Legacy
Herzog & de Meuron's commitment to pushing architectural boundaries has been consistently recognized. Their work continues to shape urban landscapes and cultural institutions worldwide, demonstrating a sustained impact on the field of architecture through thoughtful design and material innovation.
Selected Projects
Blue House
Oberwil, Switzerland (1980). An early work noted for its minimalist aesthetic and the distinctive ultramarine paint that lends an impression of fragility, contrasting with its suburban context.
Dominus Winery
Napa Valley, California, USA (1997). Celebrated for its seamless integration with the landscape, utilizing gabion walls filled with local basalt rocks to create a structure that harmonizes with its vineyard surroundings.
Tate Modern
London, United Kingdom (2000). A landmark adaptive reuse project that transformed the former Bankside Power Station into a world-renowned contemporary art museum, lauded for blending industrial heritage with modern exhibition spaces.
Beijing National Stadium
Beijing, China (2008). Known as the "Bird's Nest," this iconic stadium designed for the Summer Olympics features a unique steel lattice structure that has become a symbol of modern Chinese architecture and a versatile venue.
Elbphilharmonie
Hamburg, Germany (2017). A striking concert hall that crowns a historic brick warehouse with a wave-like glass structure, offering exceptional acoustics and panoramic views, establishing itself as a major cultural landmark.
M+ Museum
Hong Kong, China (2021). A flagship cultural institution in the West Kowloon Cultural District, characterized by its inverted T-shaped form and vast gallery spaces, housing significant collections of 20th and 21st-century visual culture.
Kinderspital Zรผrich
Zurich, Switzerland (2024). A forward-thinking children's hospital designed to foster a healing environment, integrating natural light and green spaces to support patient recovery and well-being.
Awards & Honors
Major Prizes
Herzog & de Meuron have received numerous prestigious awards, acknowledging their significant contributions to the field of architecture:
Academic Recognition
Beyond professional accolades, the partners have been honored with honorary doctorates from esteemed institutions, reflecting their influence on architectural education and discourse:
Academia & Discourse
Teaching & Research
Herzog & de Meuron have actively contributed to architectural education. They served as professors at ETH Zurich from 1999 to 2018, co-founding the ETH Studio Basel: Contemporary City Institute. They have also held visiting professorships at Harvard University Graduate School of Design and lectured internationally, sharing their insights on urban studies and architectural practice.
Publications
The firm's engagement with architectural theory is evident in their extensive publications. These works delve into their design processes, material explorations, and critical perspectives on urbanism and contemporary architecture:
The Kabinett
Archive Foundation
Established in Basel in 2015, the Jacques Herzog und Pierre de Meuron Kabinett is a charitable foundation dedicated to preserving and managing the firm's extensive archives. This includes architectural drawings, sketches, models, and significant collections of historic photography.
Access and Research
While not open to the general public, the Kabinett provides access to researchers and specialists by appointment. Its mission is to safeguard the legacy of Herzog & de Meuron's work and contribute to the study of architectural history and practice.
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References
References
- Roger Diener, Jacques Herzog, Marcel Meili, Pierre de Meuron, Manuel Herz, Christian Schmid, Milica Topalovic (2015). The Inevitable Specificity of Cities. Edited by ETH Studio Basel. Zurich: Lars Mรยผller Publishers.
- Jacques Herzog, Pierre de Meuron, Manuel Herz (2009). MetroBasel. Ein Modell einer europรยคischen Metropolitan-Region. Edited by ETH Studio Basel. Basel: ETH Studio Basel.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional architectural advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation, design services, or expert analysis. Always consult with qualified architects and professionals for specific project needs and considerations. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.