spacesnepal.com 28 <strong>May</strong> - <strong>June</strong> <strong>2012</strong>
ARCHITECTURE IN THE MIST OF Alpine Architecture a rendezvous with Christian Müller Text: Ar Kalpana Bhandari Photo Courtesy: Christian Müller ALPINE ARCHITECTURE INVOLVES “THE CREATION OF AN INCREDIBLY WELL STRUCTURED UNIVERSE ... WHOSE DRIVE TOWARDS BUILDING A NEW NOTION OF BEAUTY ALLOWS HIM TO EXPLORE ALMOST BOUNDLESS TERRITORIES” – ARCHITECT BRUNO TAUT The word Alpine is derived from the Alps. Alpine Architecture is the architectural practice in regions at an altitude ranging from 2000m to 3000m above sea level, and is prominent in Europe, mostly in Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and France. The most challenging feature of Alpine areas, or Alpine architecture, is the harsh climate and sparse intractable landscapes, which require a durable and functional design rather than an artistic expression. However, for a sustainable Alpine architecture, it requires utilitas, fermitas and venustas. The success of Alpine architecture depends on functioning recreational centers, ease in accessibility, and high on facilities. Typically, this incorporates the usage of locally available materials, like wood and stone, and local manpower. Christian Müller is an architect pursuing the evolution of Alpine architecture that incorporates functionality and durability along with comfort and aesthetics. Müller, 49, was born in Switzerland. He received his degree in architecture from ETH Zurich and founded Christian Müller Architects in 1999. Currently he operates in The Netherlands as well as Switzerland. Müller has been residing in The Netherlands since 1993. Müller contemplates that each building site demands its individual design and peculiar construction process. Therefore, it is difficult to generalize Alpine architecture. Tough in every country the architect takes utmost responsibility for his creation, the results may vary a lot depending the country. Adding that the success of each project also depends on the craftsmanship he stresses how contextual architecture is reflected in any particular project. He is enthralled by the omnipresence of architect as a planner, as a designer, as a financial consultant, and as a marketing advisor. Müller also believes that each project should give its core team of contributors - client, designer and advisors - freedom in experimenting new methods and building design innovations. “I am not into signature. I am fascinated by individual demand of each project, its process and the result”. Müller believes that Alpine architecture should work in close alliance with sustainability. And if it doesn’t, then architecture becomes less significant. He explains that in tourism and hospitality business, especially in Alpine regions, the inhabitants and the site should respond to sustainability. He works to make a project with mutual interaction and understanding with local people, interested in exchange that, as a whole, is an aspect of functioning hospitality and tourism industry. Furthermore, only sustainability can promote tourism which is a basis of income and development of rural areas, especially in high altitudes. Müller has over 20 projects in Switzerland, Germany and The Netherlands like Holiday Villa Vals, Pearls of Oisterwijk, Holiday Park, etc. Some of Müller’s projects on Alpine architecture in hospitality sector are illustrated below. <strong>May</strong> - <strong>June</strong> <strong>2012</strong> 29 spacesnepal.com