ZUMTHOR

Today was our field trip to see three of Peter Zumthor’s buildings in Austria and Switzerland. At 6am we boarded our private bus that would take us through the Swiss Alps on our Architectural pilgrimage. The four hour long bus ride to Austria allowed everyone to take a quick nap and prepare for the long day ahead of us. Around ten o’clock we were in front of the Kunsthaus Gallery- a building I have studied multiple times and greatly admired. Inside was an exhibit of Maurizio Cattelan that only contained three pieces of art. He is an artist who designs life-like sculptures with deeply rooted political messages. We were allowed to take pictures inside the museum of his work because Cattelan believes that the best way to spread the message about his art is through the people who see it—I think my posting of these pictures is an example of the success of his plan. The exhibit was powerful and moving to say the least!

Our next stop was back in Switzerland to see a small chapel that was designed for a community up in the mountains. I don’t think I can count how many times I have seen the chapel in lectures- but it doesn’t quite compare to the experience of actually being there. I was blown away by the elegance of the building with the rugged landscape of the mountains beyond. Now we were all getting excited to get to our last stop on the trip- the thermal baths. The only way to get a tour of the Therme Vals is by swimming through the pools, so we all brought our swim suits.

The baths are located at a hotel resort and can be thought of as a spa-type atmosphere. There is a series of pools which range from ice water to a hot tub as well as everything in between. They are meant to be experienced in a sequence going from cold to warm and back from warm to cold. Saunas and resort type amenities are also available, such as massages and skin care stuff. Unfortunately cameras are not allowed in the baths, but I was able to sneak my water-proof camera in my swim suit and take a few pictures. When we were in the pools I would have to pull my camera out, pop it above the water and snap a few pictures before anyone saw me. I am sure that I looked a little creepy, but I don’t really care because I was able to get a few good pictures. My favorite pool was the hot tub that was outside. The view of the snow covered mountains and the steam off the water added to the whole experience. Another one of my favorites was the meditation bath. To get to it required wading into a pool and passing through a small hole in the stone wall before ending up in a ten foot by ten foot room with the ceiling 30 feet above. Inside the room there was a slight hum being played over speakers and minerals in the water. It was a nice place to sit and relax- not like my time in Italy has given me too much to stress about.

Of course the crowd favorite was the ice water bath which we would jump in after coming out of the hot tub- did someone says shrinkage? Just kidding.

After the baths we had a few drinks in the bar, soaked up the view and then headed to dinner with our professor. Again, it was another great day!