Founded in 1998 by Emanuel Christ and Christoph Gantenbein in Basel, Switzerland, Christ & Gantenbein is interested in what the studio describes as “the sustainability of form.” Mixing the ancient and the modern, the firm characterizes its approach as challenging materials through “a sensitive yet versatile manner,” as expressed in projects for museums, housing, and office buildings throughout Europe.

Christ will discuss some of his firm’s recent projects, including:

 • Swiss National Museum Extension, a new zigzagging structure connected to the existing nineteenth-century building which provides new galleries, an auditorium, and a library. 

 • Kunstmuseum Basel Extension, a monochrome gray brick building which complements the adjoining stone structure while adding 3,000 square meters of new gallery and event space.

 • Mixed-Use Tower, an apartment and office tower with a metallic façade responding to its industrial surroundings in Pratteln, Switzerland.

Both Christ and Gantenbein graduated in 1998 from ETH Zurich, where they are currently professors of architecture and design. 

This lecture is co-sponsored with The Architectural League of New York. Tickets are free for Cooper Union students and faculty with valid ID, and League members. 

View the full Fall 2019 Lectures and Events List.