A brief glance at the importance of architectural print media

A panel discussion with Swiss architectural writers and publishers completed the «Salon Suisse» at the 13th Architecture Biennale. Numerous guests from the world of architecture and media followed the discussion on the topic „Swiss in print – Swiss architecture’s representation through writing and publishing“, which was moderated by the British author and editor Robert Guy Wilson.

A brief glance at the importance of architectural print media

Panel discussion at „Salon Suisse“, part of the accompanying programme of the 13th Biennale at Venice: Thomas Kramer, Martin Steinmann, chairman Rob Wilson and Caspar Schärer (from left to right). Photo: Laufen

Venice. On 23rd November the „Salon Suisse“ invited architects and specialised audience to Palazzo degli Ulivi Trevisan for a panel discussion on the representation of Swiss architecture in print media. The architectural writers and publishers Thomas Kramer, Martin Steinmann and Caspar Schärer, moderated by chairman Rob Wilson, discussed the importance of critical writing and architectural analysis in the different print media – books, magazines and newspapers – in Swiss architectural culture over the last 30 years. Furthermore the panelists explored the present development, regarding the challenges of digital media – and questioned in general how architecture is represented in print media nowadays and in future.

The discussion concluded the third series of early evening events, called „Salon Suisse III“, which took place from 20-24 November under the motto „Talking architecture, media …and a touch of the Swiss“. The „Salon Suisse“ was an event programme by the Swiss Cultural Foundation Pro Helvetia and accompanied the Swiss contribution to the 13th Architecture Biennale with readings, lectures, discussions, workshops and performances at the Palazzo degli Ulivi Trevisan. The programme was part of the „collateral events“ of the Biennale and was partnered by the Swiss bathroom specialist Laufen.

For Béatrice Rüeger from Laufen, the partnership with the „Salon Suisse“ was a heartfelt investment in supporting the dialogue between architecture, Swiss culture and lifestyle: „We enjoyed it very much as a Swiss producer to get in contact with international peer groups and creatives during the Biennale.“

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Thomas Kramer (born 1966) is publisher and managing director of Scheidegger & Spiess, a Zurich-based art, architecture and photography publisher.

Martin Steinmann (born 1942) is an architect and author, and studied architecture at ETH Zurich. He has written extensively on contemporary Swiss architecture, and was Editor of „Archithese“ magazine from 1979-86. Since 1987 he has been Professor of Architecture at ETH Lausanne.

Caspar Schärer (born 1973) studied architecture and journalism. He is an editor for the Swiss magazine „werk, bauen + wohnen“ and a regular contributor to several magazines and newspapers.

Robert Guy Wilson (born 1967) is a curator, writer and editor, who trained as an architect. He is editor of „Block“ magazine, Associate Lecturer in Criticism, Communication and Curation at Central St Martins, London. Wilson is Salonnier of Salon Suisse.

LAUFEN

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