Jason Frantzen of Herzog & de Meuron

Overview:

Jason Frantzen discusses Herzog & de Meuron’s projects around the world, from the UCSF Helen Diller Medical Center in San Francisco to the National Library of Israel. The Switzerland-based firm’s international architectural practice focuses on creating designs that take into account the specifics of place. Landscape, local materials, community culture, surrounding architecture, local history, and other factors provide inspiration and guidance for the firm’s designs. Frantzen provides examples of how Herzog & de Meuron considers atmosphere and occupant experience, tailoring the project to elements of nature or the artifacts of civilization, rather than conforming to a particular trend or aesthetic. 

Learning objectives: 

1. Discuss how Herzog & de Meuron work to upend traditional approaches to hospitals and medical centers.
2. List some of the preliminary work the firm does before designing a project for any site.
3. Describe how the Jerusalem library project provides a cultural space in a digital age.
4. Explain the pros and cons of architecture competitions according to Frantzen.

Credits: 0.5 AIA LU/HSW 

Speaker: Aaron Prinz