giuliani.hönger ag (Zürich)

The indivisibility of architecture constitutes its nature and its quality. But to make it understandable and suitable as a topic for discussion, it must be divided into themes such as the Vitruvian trinity of "Firmitas," "Utilitas," and "Venustas." Architectural theorist Kenneth Frampton offers further useful and informative categories in the terms "topology," "typology," and "tectonics." This triad is consistent with our view and approach to the design process. It also forms the background for the teaching work we do. However, since these terms are very universal, they do not refer to specific architectural interests. Such interests only came to the fore through numerous designs and buildings. Over time, they were defined and further pursued by the terms "ambivalent typologies" and "powerful spaces". They are "bridging terms" because each of them mediates between two categories of Frampton. The term "ambivalent typologies" involves a confrontation between typology and topology, while "powerful spaces" deal with issues between typology and tectonics. From this personal point of view, it was surprising to rediscover well-known and inspiring works from the history of architecture that follow similar themes and have related characteristics.