Architekt Krischanitz

Die Schweizer Projekte

Adolf Krischanitz is undoubtedly considered one of the most important representatives of the vibrant and widely regarded Viennese architectural scene in the 1980s and 1990s. A key work in the oeuvre of Krischanitz is the project Quai Zurich Campus, the headquarters of the Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) on Mythenquai, which opened in 2021. It is also the final project implemented by Krischanitz’s Zurich branch. This book presents the hitherto unpublished project in detail, using plans and extensive series of images to shed light on Krischanitz’s architectural stance, which is based on creating something new from existing structures, as well as an inherent, deep-rooted cultural responsibility. The design approach is demonstrated with examples from ­distinct thematic fields and illustrated with construction details and quotes. An essay by Hubertus Adam and interviews with Adolf Krischanitz, as well as other colleagues, highlight the successful path that Krischanitz has taken in Switzerland and his stance towards the constructed environment. His collaboration with artists such as Helmut Federle, Gilbert Bretterbauer and other architects including Meili Peter, Herzog & de Meuron and Alfred Grazioli is also presented to indicate Krischanitz’s perspective on the Swiss architectural scene and the question of the difference be­tween building in Switzerland and Austria. The Zurich Archive presents the insurance corporation’s historic milestones. Ten selected projects present Kirschanitz’s architectural range, supplementing the list of all of his Swiss projects.

Editors: Roger Huwyler, Anne-Marie Kristokat
Articles: Adolf Krischanitz, Hubertus Adam, Roland Züger
Photos: Lukas Roth