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Pierre de Meuron

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Pierre de Meuron
Born (1950-05-08) 8 May 1950 (age 74)
Basel, Switzerland
NationalitySwiss
Alma mater
OccupationArchitect
Years active1977–present
Awards
PracticeHerzog & de Meuron
Buildings
Websitewww.herzogdemeuron.com

Pierre de Meuron (born 8 May 1950) is a Swiss architect and co-founder, alongside Jacques Herzog, of the architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron.[1][2]

Among the firm's most recognized projects are the transformation of the Bankside Power Station into the Tate Modern in London, the design of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg, and the creation of the Beijing National Stadium, commonly referred to as the "Bird's Nest," for the 2008 Olympics.[3]

Together with Herzog, de Meuron has been honored with prestigious accolades such as the Pritzker Architecture Prize and the Royal Gold Medal, among various other distinctions.[4][5]

Early life and education

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De Meuron was born in Basel, Switzerland.[6] Raised in Basel, he developed an early interest in the arts and architecture, influenced by the city's rich cultural heritage. He attended grade school alongside Jacques Herzog, who would later become his long-term collaborator and business partner.[4]

De Meuron pursued his architectural studies at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) before continuing his education at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich).[7][8] After earning their degrees in 1975, both de Meuron and Herzog remained at ETH Zurich, working as assistants under Prof. Dolf Schnebli. In 1978, they co-founded the architectural practice Herzog & de Meuron.[7][9]

Career

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Herzog & de Meuron achieved international recognition for their ability to combine refinement with pragmatism and urban sensibility. Their projects address both the collective fabric of the city and the specific needs of their clients. A central aspect of their design philosophy is uncovering and revealing the latent potential of existing structures and environments.[10][11][12]

Early projects that exemplified their distinctive approach include the Ricola Storage Building in Laufen, Switzerland (1987), which emphasized materiality and texture,[13] and the Dominus Winery in Napa Valley, California (1998), where they incorporated locally sourced stone-filled gabions as a key architectural element.[14]

Their international prominence grew with the transformation of the Bankside Power Station into the Tate Modern in London (2000), a project that became a landmark in contemporary architecture.[15] Other significant commissions include the Allianz Arena in Munich (2005) and the Beijing National Stadium—commonly known as the "Bird's Nest"—designed for the 2008 Olympic Games.[16][17]

Renowned for their diverse body of work, Herzog & de Meuron have designed cultural institutions, sports venues, residential buildings, and large-scale urban master plans. Their ability to tailor architectural solutions to the unique context of each project while maintaining design integrity has earned them widespread recognition, including the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2001.[18]

Academia and teaching

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Pierre de Meuron has played an active role in architectural education, contributing to academic discourse and research at institutions worldwide.

Following his graduation from ETH Zurich in 1975, he began his academic career as an assistant to Professor Dolf Schnebli at ETH Zurich in 1977.[19] In 1989, he joined Harvard University as a visiting professor.[20][21]

From 1999 to 2018, de Meuron and Jacques Herzog served as full professors at ETH Zurich, where they significantly contributed to architectural research and pedagogy.[22][23] During this period, they co-founded the ETH Studio Basel – Contemporary City Institute in collaboration with Swiss architect Roger Diener.

The ETH Studio Basel, operational from 1999 to 2018, was a research institute affiliated with ETH Zurich but based in Basel, Switzerland.[24][25] The institute focused on analyzing contemporary urban transformations and urbanization trends in the 21st century.[26] By integrating architecture, urban planning, and sociology, the research conducted at the institute examined urban development dynamics and proposed innovative urban strategies. Notable studies included research on urbanization in Switzerland and the concept of the "city region" in Europe.[27][28]

Approach and focus

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De Meuron has played a significant role in shaping the architectural vision and projects of Herzog & de Meuron.[29] His contributions extend beyond individual buildings to large-scale urban planning initiatives, both in Switzerland and internationally.[30][31]

Notable urban development projects in which de Meuron has been involved include the Ronquoz 21 initiative in Sion,[32][33] the Lyon master plan (first and second phases),[34][35] the Burgos master plan,[36][37] and the Dreispitz vision for Basel.[38][39] His contributions extend beyond design, as he has also authored critical analyses on urban development published in various architectural and academic journals.[40][41]

Since the firm’s founding, de Meuron has played a key role in its strategic development. In the early 2000s, he initiated a long-term succession plan for Herzog & de Meuron, which was officially announced in 2022.[42][43]

Notable projects

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  • Dominus Winery (1997) – Located in Napa Valley, California, this winery is distinguished by its seamless integration with the landscape, featuring gabion walls filled with local basalt rocks. The minimalist design blends harmoniously with the surrounding vineyard, emphasizing a deep connection between architecture and nature.[44][45]
  • Ricola Projects (1987, 1993) – The Ricola Storage Building in Laufen and the Ricola Europe Headquarters in Mulhouse-Brunstatt showcase Herzog & de Meuron’s innovative use of materials. The Storage Building features translucent polycarbonate panels for diffused lighting, while the Headquarters integrates a curved roof and timber cladding to complement the rural landscape.[46][47]
  • Prada Aoyama Tokyo (2003) – A flagship store in Tokyo’s Aoyama district, this building is recognized for its diamond-shaped glass façade with convex and concave panes, creating a dynamic and transparent structure that embodies the brand’s innovative spirit.[48][49]
  • Tate Modern (2000) – The transformation of a disused power station in London into a modern art museum has made Tate Modern one of the world’s most visited art institutions, seamlessly merging industrial heritage with contemporary exhibition spaces.[50][51]
  • Beijing National Stadium (2008) – Known as the "Bird’s Nest," this iconic structure for the 2008 Summer Olympics features a striking steel lattice design, making it a symbol of the Games and a landmark of modern Beijing.[52][53]
  • Elbphilharmonie (2016) – A concert hall in Hamburg featuring a glass structure atop a historic warehouse. The building is known for its exceptional acoustics, panoramic views of the harbor, and its role as a cultural hub.[54][55]
  • REHAB Basel (2002) – A specialized rehabilitation center designed to create a healing environment by integrating natural light and green spaces for patient recovery.[56][57]
  • Allianz Arena (2005) – A stadium in Munich known for its innovative façade composed of ETFE plastic panels that change color, enhancing the spectator experience.[58][59]
  • 1111 Lincoln Road (2010) – A mixed-use development in Miami Beach featuring a reimagined parking garage that functions as a dynamic urban space for retail, dining, and events.[60][61]
  • M+ Museum (2021) – A cultural institution in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District, featuring an inverted T-shaped design that integrates gallery spaces with research facilities, and houses the Uli Sigg collection of Chinese art.[62][63]
  • Kinderspital Zürich (2024) – A children's hospital designed to provide a healing environment by integrating natural elements and fostering a patient-centered experience.[64][65]

Jacques Herzog und Pierre de Meuron Kabinett

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The Kabinett is a charitable foundation established in Basel in 2015 to preserve and manage the extensive archives of Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron. It houses a comprehensive collection of architectural drawings, sketches, models, and personal collections, providing valuable insight into the architects’ creative process.

The foundation is structured around three key areas: architecture, art, and photography, encompassing a wide range of materials and collections. Among its notable holdings is the photography archive of Ruth and Peter Herzog, which includes an extensive collection of historical images. Although the Kabinett is not open to the general public, it offers access to researchers and specialists by appointment.[66][67][68]

Object design

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In addition to their architectural practice, Herzog & de Meuron have developed a diverse portfolio of object design, which includes furniture, lighting, jewelry, and cutlery. Since the firm's founding in 1978, they have designed over 400 objects, many of which were conceived as integral elements within their architectural projects, while others function as standalone design pieces.[69]

A notable design in their collection is the "Unterlinden" lamp, developed in collaboration with the Italian lighting company Artemide. This compact lamp features an aluminum head with an industrial aesthetic, integrating advanced LED technology for energy-efficient illumination.[70]

Another significant piece is the "REBAR" furniture series, created for the 2016 Serpentine Pavilion in London, which Herzog & de Meuron designed in collaboration with artist Ai Weiwei. This minimalist collection of stools and benches is constructed from reinforcing steel bars (rebar), reflecting the raw materials and structural elements used in the pavilion itself.[71]

In addition to standalone pieces, the firm has designed custom furniture and objects for many of their architectural projects, including bespoke door handles, lighting fixtures, and seating, reinforcing the seamless integration of architectural and product design.[72]

Awards and honors

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Pierre de Meuron, together with Jacques Herzog, has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to architecture, including:

  • The Pritzker Architecture Prize (2001), often regarded as the Nobel Prize of architecture, awarded for their innovative and influential work.[73]
  • The Royal Gold Medal (2007), presented by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in recognition of their significant impact on global architecture.[74]
  • The Praemium Imperiale (2007), awarded by the Japan Art Association, celebrating their lifetime achievements in the field of architecture.[75]
  • The Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (2014), recognizing their architectural excellence in North and South America.[76]

Additionally, they have been awarded honorary doctorates from several institutions:

  • University of Basel (2000), in recognition of their contributions to architecture and urbanism.[77]
  • Royal College of Art (2016), acknowledging their role in advancing design and architectural education.[78]
  • Technical University of Munich (2018), for their pioneering contributions to contemporary architecture.[79]

References

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  8. ^ Volner, Ian. "Swiss Architecture Firm Herzog & De Meuron Celebrates 40 Years".
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  27. ^ Diener, Roger; Herzog, Jacques; Meili, Marcel; Meuron, Pierre de; Schmid, Christian (2005-12-31). La Suisse - portrait urbain. Berlin, Boston: DE GRUYTER. ISBN 978-3-7643-7802-8.
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  34. ^ "Ilot A3 by Herzog & de Meuron. Curves in concrete housing block in Lyon | METALOCUS". Metalocus. 2018-05-25. Retrieved 2024-12-04.
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  68. ^ Photographie, L'Œil de la (2020-08-05). "Kunstmuseum Basel: The Incredible World of Photography Collection Ruth et Peter Herzog". The Eye of Photography Magazine. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
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  71. ^ Heathcote, Edwin (16 June 2016). "Serpentine Pavilion 2016 by Herzog & de Meuron and Ai Weiwei". Financial Times. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  72. ^ Blaser, Werner (2008). Herzog & de Meuron: The Complete Works. Birkhäuser. ISBN 978-3-7643-8575-5. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  73. ^ "The Pritzker Architecture Prize 2001". Pritzker Prize. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  74. ^ "Royal Gold Medal". RIBA. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  75. ^ "Praemium Imperiale Laureates". Praemium Imperiale. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  76. ^ "Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize 2014". MCHAP. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  77. ^ "Honorary Awards Faculty of Business and Economics". University of Basel. Retrieved 2024-12-04.
  78. ^ "College Honours". Royal College of Art. Retrieved 2024-12-04.
  79. ^ "Honorary Doctorates". Technical University of Munich. Retrieved 2024-12-04.
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