Sprengkraft Raum

In the history of Swiss architecture of the 20th century, there is a peculiar gap. In the classic narrative, the heroes of early and late modernism are followed only by the architects of the "Swiss Box" from the 1980s. However, much happened in between: old certainties dissolved, and new fields of reference emerged. This led to an exciting architecture that lies between modernism and postmodernism. It is characterized by a sensual materiality, responds sensitively and confidently to the site, and creates rich and differentiated spaces. "Sprengkraft Raum" now traces this previously overlooked development through twelve selected buildings from around 1970. These buildings were designed by five particularly important architects of the time, who do not form a group but share many commonalities and were connected through collaborations or friendships: Esther and Rudolf Guyer, Manuel Pauli, Fritz Schwarz, and Pierre Zoelly. The book is based on personal conversations with the living architects and the evaluation of their previously inaccessible private archives. Contributions are included from Nott Caviezel, Patric Furrer, Andri Gerber, Gabrielle Hächler, Andreas Jud, and Martin Tschanz.