Tita Carloni Church facade in Ticino. Since the founding of the Federal Charter of 1291, Switzerland has remained an open-minded country that has sought to balance tradition with innovation. This is true in many aspects of Swiss life, and is particularly visible in matters related to art, religion, education, and perhaps most importantly, Switzerland’s principle of federalism.
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Element, system and structure. I believe that there is no architecture without a sound structural system, be it expressed or hidden from sight. For the seasoned professional, this statement seems self-evident, but for neophytes and young architectural students, the concept of architecture is often thought of as merely the creation of spaces, or the expression of a list of functions, or worse, the design of beautiful objects.
Urban Posters in Paris, France. In most cities around the world, and in particular in Europe, public posters, placards or affiches -as they are called in France- became commonplace after the invention of Guttenberg’s printing press around 1450.
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Door Locks in Corripo, Switzerland. North of the Ticinese city of Locarno, Switzerland, high up in the Verzasca valley, is a picturesque 13thcentury vernacular village called Corippo. It seems to be built at the end of the world (the first official access road was only constructed in 1883), and, while not much has changed over the past centuries, it is a must to visit. With only 12 inhabitants in 2018, it is the smallest municipality in Switzerland, however, it is better known for its use of stone. Throughout the village, paved granite paths, granite walls, granite stairs, and steep slate roofs create a visual harmony that is both striking and overwhelming.
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La Tourette by Le Corbusier. If you travel to Lyon for either the cultural sites or for a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience (in 2010, UNESCO added France’s gastronomy tradition to the “world intangible heritage”) you may wish to stay a half-day longer to visit an icon of modern architecture.
Situated 25 miles in the hillside west of Lyon and easily accessible by train or car, the Dominican monastery of La Tourette (1956-61) overlooks the town of Eveux-sur-l’Arbresle, and is the creation of famed Swiss architect Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, commonly known as Le Corbusier (1887-1965). Completed in 1961 and recognized in 2016 as part of UNESCO “World Heritage Sites,” the Architecture –yes, with a capital A, remains one of the most recognizable works of Le Corbusier’s oeuvre, and continues to welcome neophyte visitors, students, and faculty in architecture from all over the world.
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Salmon in Phyllo Dough. Remember that when a cook mentions that a recipe is complicated, you can bet it’s easier than it sounds. Salmon in phyllo dough is one of my favorite dishes and is so easy to make, and this despite the final presentation that seems complex.
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About watches and their typefaces. Owning a wristwatch seems an old-fashioned approach, but I like to observe the human gesture of gently moving one’s wrist to reveal what time it is. I favor watches and, in particular, those that are analog.
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Making yogurt special. You just need to peruse your grocery’s store dairy aisle to understand that YOGURT has become immensely popular. It is found in most cultures and its history spans from Mesopotamia (5000 BC) to India, from Ancient Rome to Persia, covering over seven millennia.
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Making Breakfast Special. How often have you contemplated having breakfast in your hotel room, yet said no because of the exorbitant price tag that came with this simple treat! Well, no need to be envious. You can now replicate this indulgence at home with a little flair, confidence, and elegance.
Edward Hopper Cape Cod. Of course, I have a number of favorites painters that span over five centuries; from the international Gothic to contemporary iconographies. Yet, as an architect, I am particularly fond of the American painter Edward Hopper (1882-1967) whose work reflects on the dramatic urban changes that America underwent during the post World War Two economic boom of the 1950’s.
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