Bernard Tschumi
Full Name and Common Aliases
Bernard Tschumi is widely known by his given name, Bernard.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: May 25, 1944
Died: Not applicable (still active in profession)
Nationality and Profession(s)
Swiss-French architect, theorist, and educator. His work bridges the gap between architecture, philosophy, and social sciences.
Early Life and Background
Bernard Tschumi was born on May 25, 1944, in Lausanne, Switzerland. He pursued his early education at a Catholic boarding school before moving to Paris for higher studies. In 1967, he joined the architectural firm of Georges Candilis, Alexis Josic, and Shadrach Woods (Candilis-Josic-Woods). This marked the beginning of his professional career.
Major Accomplishments
Tschumi's most notable achievements include:
Establishment of Architectural Association School of Architecture in London: In 1975, Tschumi co-founded this influential institution with several fellow architects and theorists.
Directorship at the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (GSAPP) at Columbia University: From 1988 to 2003, he led GSAPP, introducing innovative teaching methods that focused on interdisciplinary approaches to architecture.
Design and Construction of Parc de la Villette in Paris: As a co-founder and partner of the architecture firm Bernard Tschumi Architects (BTA), he was responsible for this prominent urban development project in 1983.Notable Works or Actions
Some of his notable works include:
1. Parc de la Villette in Paris, France (1982-1994)
A large public park and cultural center with a unique and dynamic design that redefined the concept of urban parks.
2. Serpentine Gallery Summer Pavilion in London, UK (2008)
* The inaugural summer pavilion designed by Tschumi featured a complex structure made from steel frames covered with translucent polycarbonate panels.
Impact and Legacy
Bernard Tschumi's work has significantly influenced modern architecture. He has introduced innovative approaches to the field by integrating philosophy, social sciences, and technology into his designs. His emphasis on contextuality, cultural specificity, and the role of architects as mediators between built environment and society has reshaped architectural discourse.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Bernard Tschumi's contributions are widely recognized for their originality and impact. As a pioneer in integrating philosophy with architecture, he has been quoted and referenced for his ideas on the role of architects as mediators between built environment and society.
Quotes by Bernard Tschumi
My apartment reflects my views as an architect. It is minimal, austere. The architecture doesn’t impose itself upon you. The apartment is a stage for other things to take place.
Concepts differentiate architecture from mere building...A bicycle shed with a concept is architecture; a cathedral without one is just a building.
Any relationship between a building and its users is one of violence, for any use means the intrusion of a human body into a given space, the intrusion of one order into another.
Society secretly delights in crime, excesses, and violated prohibitions of all sorts.
Before 2000, everything was about being contextual, and buildings were supposed to be good citizens.
I wear the same black suit. I have five of them. I pair them with a red scarf. I was wearing a red scarf when I won the first architectural competition of my career.