Interior and Exterior Atmosphere

The extreme dichotomy between the writings and architectural practices of Peter Zumthor and Alejandro Zaera-Polo has led to a misunderstanding that architecture driven by interior atmosphere and architecture that is focused on the building envelope cannot simultaneously exist in one building.  However, I would argue that atmosphere and envelope can coexist and are not mutually exclusive ideas.  I would further argue that some of the most successful examples of architecture achieve this through a building envelope that is reflective of the atmosphere of the building’s interior. 

The work of Herzog and de Meuron proves the point that façade and atmosphere can, and should, co-exist in architecture. The firm has often received criticism for their emphasis on materials and the building envelope, and has been accused of creating architecture that is only skin deep. However, if you look at the plans and sections of their buildings you can see that their treatment of the elevation goes beyond simply being scenographic architecture. The cues that the architects have taken from the site and context of the project transcend just simple façade treatment and ultimately become the elements that give shape and structure to the space. By establishing a strong relationship between the building’s interior and exterior, Herzog and de Meuron have created architecture where program and internal atmosphere is visible in the treatment of their façade designs. 

A good example from their body of work is the studio that they designed for artist, Remy Zaugg. In their design for Zaugg’s studio, the architects explore time and the impacts of weathering as a material with the use of cor-ten steel and concrete. The experience of the building user as they approach and enter the space is heavily emphasized in this project - the user is met with a blank canvas of a facade that on the surface displays a record of the building’s life in the rust stains on the concrete. In this way, the façade design is reflective of the internal atmosphere - an artist’s painting studio.