Location | Pilatus Kulm, Alpnach OW |
Client | PILATUS BAHNEN AG, KRIENS |
Commission | Competition on invitation 2008 |
Planning | 2008–2010 |
Construction | 2010–2011 |
Architects | Graber & Steiger Architekten, Project Architect: Philip Käslin |
Consultants | Construction manager: Jürg Gabthuler, Structural engineer: Dr. Schwartz Consulting, Cost management: Büro für Bauökonomie, Façade engineering: Metallprojekt GmbH |
Photographer | D.M. Wehrli |
The impressive, crystalline silhouette of the Pilatus massif was integrated into the design for the panorama gallery and developed further in an architectural form. The new structure is subtly fitted into the Alpine terrain and develops between existing buildings and striking rocky outcrops into an artificial topography. The polygonal, meandering ground plan and the gentle cross-sectional modulation are spatial strategies that evoke gentle transitions between the developed and undeveloped landscape. The polygonal connecting section choreographs a series of spectacular perspectives and breath-taking viewpoints, while also acting as a perceptive amplifier that stages the reference to the landscape to the fullest extent. The underlying crystalline theme of the volumetrics is also reflected in the structure, construction and materialisation, and is based on a hybrid steel and concrete composite system.
During the past years, Niklaus Graber and Christoph Steiger have maintained a steaddy exchange with the architecture scene in Bangladesh. Niklaus Graber was commissioned in 2016 by Swiss Architecture Museum to be the curator in chief of the Exhibition “Bengal Stream – The Vibrant Architecture Scene of Bangladesh”, which opens on 1st December 2017 at S AM Basel. With “Bengal Stream” S AM is the first Museum world wide to present the contemporary architecture of Bangladesh. The scenography of the exhibition is designed by Graber & Steiger in collaboration with Salauddin Ahmed/Atelier Robin, Dhaka. Along with the exhibiton comes a 400 page catalogue edited by Niklaus Graber, Andreas Ruby and Viviane Ehrensberger with images by Iwan Baan.
“Bengal Stream – The Vibrant Architecture Scene of Bangladesh” at S AM Basel 2nd December 2017-24.June 2018.
1st of December 2017, 19:00 S AM Basel
"When the Jamuna meets the Rhine" mit Architekten aus Bangladesch: 2. Dezember 2017, 9:30-17:00 Uhr, Alte Universität Basel, Rheinsprung 9/11, 4051 Basel