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. 

The lecture will be followed by a conversation with Paul Lewis, professor and associate dean at Princeton University School of Architecture, a partner at LTL Architects, and president of the Architectural League of New York.

Support

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

The event is co-sponsored by The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture of The Cooper Union.