GRAUBÜNDEN Swiss architecture is almost always related to the existing context, an approach spread far beyond the reality of cities. This attitude is clearly distinguishable when one visits the Swiss landscape, the hills and mountains. Graubünden, and especially the Survelva-region, take in a special position. In this original, by humans cultivated mountain-landscape the village-architecture shows an age-old tradition of authentic, skilled knowledge.

Present-day architects have reacted on this by creating modest yet at the same time powerful contemporary interpretations, which relate to the rustic building-style and the colours and materials of the omnipresent, impressive landscape.

Two architects stand out in the region of Graubünden; they gave the local contemporary architecture new impulses. Peter Zumthor created, with his thermal bath in Vals, a building that successfully translates the beauty of the surroundings to an equally beautiful and pleasent architecture. The omnipresent, contemplative moment, which is so typical for the Therme, can also be found in the small chapel of St. Benedikt, another design of Zumthor. Also Valerio Olgiati is an architect who's rooted in the local culture. He realised a number of very noteworthy projects in Graubünden. His architecture celebrates the 'genius loci', by both its materialisation and by incorporating the surrounding landscape and setting.

ArchEX organises architecture guided tours and custom made study trips for groups in Switzerland, Zürich and Graubünden. For more information and a free price offer, please contact us.

Architecture designed by Domenig Architekten, Christian Kerez, Bjarne Mastenbroek, Rene Meierdorfer, Valerio Olgiati, Peter Zumthor'and many others