The Practice of Architecture: Visiting Peter Zumthor

The Practice of Architecture: Visiting Peter Zumthor is a thought-provoking, insightful and inspiring documentary from 2012 featuring the brilliant minds of Kenneth Frampton and Peter Zumthor. This film carefully outlines the dramatic tension between conventional architectural practices and innovative design theories.

The film places an emphasis on the paradigm-shifting work of Peter Zumthor, a Swiss architect who is renowned for his philosophical approach to framing spaces. His unique take on architecture as a human experience rather than just a physical entity has won him praise and accolades in the global architecture community, such as the 2009 Pritzker Prize. Besides showcasing Zumthor's marvels, the film also invites viewers to perceive architecture not as static buildings but as living, breathing entities that can mold and influence our daily lives.

Kenneth Frampton, a British architect and historian known for his writing on 20th century architecture, lends his expertise to the documentary, investigating and breaking down the complex layers of Zumthor's vision. Frampton's insightful commentary provides a high level of intellectual stimulation, making the film both a visual treat and intellectual journey for architecture enthusiasts.

The Practice of Architecture: Visiting Peter Zumthor takes viewers on an immersive journey to several of Zumthor's iconic constructions. These include the Therme Vals, a thermal bath complex in Switzerland lauded for its masterful integration of architectural design with natural elements, and the Brother Klaus Field Chapel in Germany, an illustration of spiritual architecture making use of raw, natural materials. Confronted with these manifestations of Zumthor's design philosophy, the audience will both appreciate and challenge their pre-existing ideas about the role architecture plays in our lives.

Producer and director Christophe van Gerrewey’s masterful storytelling brings the audience into the heart of Zumthor’s sanctuaries of solitude. The film sublimely utilizes a combination of clear imagery, ambient sound, and precise narration to craft an atmosphere that resonates with Zumthor's architectural ethos. The film seeks not to idolize Zumthor but to provoke an introspective look into how we engage with the spaces around us. It is an intricate study of how the ethereal and intangible emerges from the tangible, through Zumthor's unorthodox approach to architecture.

Through silent walk-throughs and long shots capturing the essence of Zumthor's buildings, the film evokes a profound sense of place. It lets viewers realise that behind every concrete structure, there lies an understanding of place, light, and material that can evoke specific feelings and experiences. Many sequences are shot in such a way that it feels like you are walking through the spaces, experiencing their extraordinary beauty firsthand. Adding to the atmosphere, interviews with both Zumthor and Frampton present the viewer with insight into both the groundbreaking architect’s mind and his architectural philosophy.

This film does more than show the work of a visionary architect; it questions the very nature of architecture by exploring its essence. It stimulates the mind and excites the senses, leaving the viewer with a fresh perspective on how architecture interacts with the environment and the human experience.

The Practice of Architecture: Visiting Peter Zumthor is a film that is objectively technical, as it delves into the nitty-gritty of architectural design. But it also delves into the subjective, exploring the emotional and psychological links between humans and the architecture that houses their lives. This cinematic foray into the mind of a mastermind is an essential watch for architects, students, and anyone interested in understanding the profound potential of thoughtful design.

In conclusion, The Practice of Architecture: Visiting Peter Zumthor is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating exploration of architecture and its impact on human experience. It combines immersive imagery, insightful interviews, and expert commentary to paint a vivid picture of architect Peter Zumthor's innovative work and philosophy. It is a film that urges you to reconsider your perspective on the spaces you inhabit daily, projecting these ordinary experiences into extraordinary lights.