Architecture Speaks - Internationally Celebrated Swiss Architect and Pritzker Laureate  Peter Zumthor in conversation with Abha Narain Lambah

Imagine stepping into the timeless realm of a master architect whose works are more than structures – they are living stories etched into the very fabric of space. From a humble field chapel in Wachendorf, Germany, to the ethereal thermal baths in Vals, Switzerland, Peter Zumthor's creations invite you to experience architecture in its most profound form.

Set against the grandeur of the Royal Opera House, an emblem of architectural heritage, the special event is part of the Swiss-Indian friendship jubilee celebrations. Witness a symphony of architectural brilliance as the maestros enrich you with a deeper appreciation of minimalism and innovation that seamlessly weaves contemporary design into historical layers.

Join us for an evening of immersion into the heart and soul of architecture and witness the magic behind the buildings that breathe life into spaces.

Peter Zumthor is renowned for his unique approach to architecture, emphasizing the importance of firsthand experiences over reliance on descriptions or readings. His work delves into the tactile and sensory qualities of materials and spaces, maintaining a minimalist feel. Zumthor believes that architecture should be directly experienced, allowing individuals to engage with the physicality of the space and its sensory elements. Immersing oneself in the environment enables a genuine appreciation of the nuances and subtleties often missed through mere observation or description. By prioritizing sensory experiences, Zumthor aims to create architectural designs that not only provide functional spaces but also elicit an emotional response from visitors. He asserts that these sensory experiences help people retain memories of a place long after they have left. In his book "Thinking Architecture," Zumthor elaborates on his philosophical approach to architecture, emphasizing the significance of paying attention to minor details in both the planning and construction processes. This narrative technique allows him to create spaces that evoke emotional responses and leave a lasting impression on those who experience them.

Significant Projects by Peter Zumthor

Brother Klaus Field Chapel, completed in 2007 and situated in Wachendorf, Eifel, Germany, was commissioned by farmer Hermann-Josef Scheidtweiler and his wife Trudel. One hundred twelve tree trunks were arranged in a tent-like configuration in the chapel interior, followed by ramming with concrete to create 50cm thick multiple layers. The tree trunks were dried with a smoldering fire for several weeks and then removed from the concrete shell.

The Kolumba Art Museum of the Cologne Archdiocese, also completed in 2007, is another project by Zumthor. It features seventeen galleries showcasing permanent collections from late antiquity to the present. His other notable works include Luzi House in Jenaz, the Spittelhof Estate in Switzerland, and the Swiss Sound Box, Swiss Pavilion, and Expo 2000 in Hanover, Germany.

Architectural Conservation with Abha Narain Lambah

Abha Narain Lambah has an educational background in architectural conservation from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. She gained further knowledge while working with the American architect Joseph Allen Stein, who designed multiple iconic buildings in Delhi. Abha believes that most designs and architecture should respond to a historical context. She also advocates for the adoption of contextual design concepts in India's buildings. She established her architectural conservation firm in 1998. Some of her notable conservation projects include Bikaner House in Delhi, the 15th-century Maitreya Buddha temple in Ladakh, temples in Hampi, and the revival of 19th-century Victorian landmarks in Mumbai. This includes the restoration of the Royal Opera House, Town Hall, Asiatic Library, and Elphinstone College.