Gion A. Caminada is well-known as Professor of Architecture and Design at ETH Zurich, and as a renewer of his home community Vrin. At Valendas, which once was a thriving village, he revitalized – commissioned by a community trust – a country inn, the community hall, and the village square in order to stem the rural exodus. He tells the story of new life in old villages, and how his concepts function in cooperation with committed citizens.

Gion Caminada is well-known far beyond Switzerland’s borders: as an architect, whose work is developed out of – and gives new life to – its context. The award-winning renewal of his native community of Vrin, the renaissance of the village of Valendas with its inn and village hall, the buildings in and around Disentis Abbey that contributed to the abbey’s revival, and many more. He passes on his experience in his role as a professor of architecture and design at the ETH. His contribution to architecture is being presented at the 2018 Venice Biennale. In this illustrated interview Gion Caminada tells of his path to building, of old villages, of working together with engaged citizens, and of the ideas that drive him forward in life.

Swiss brochure with open thread-stitching

rural building; handcraft; town and village renewal

A conversation about architecture with Florian Aicher

Gion A. Caminada. On the path to building

<UL> <LI>Architecture and village renewal </LI> <LI>New approaches to combat rural exodus </LI> <LI>The background to Caminada’s projects </LI> <LI> Swiss brochure with open thread-stitching </LI> </UL>

Florian Aicher, architect and publicist, Rotis. Gion A. Caminada, architect and professor ETH, Zurich.