This is already the twelfth time that the issue with which archithese starts the year is entitled Swiss Performance. In 2001, the first time that we implemented the idea of summarising the most important constructions of the preceding year, we were uncertain as to whether this approach suited archithese, which is characterised by critical reflection, rather than documentation of construction activity. Our scepticism proved unfounded: our readers appreciate the issue. Swiss Performance is seen as an unofficial annual for Swiss contemporary architecture.

What is to be noted in advance, we also mention on this occasion: selections are always subjective; the fact that the selection, even from the editors’ perspective, reflects only on a representative basis what has been built in Switzerland, or by Swiss architects abroad, demonstrates the significance of Swiss building culture. Some structures which could also have been included in this issue have already been addressed in the preceding issues in 2011; and some, including Prime Tower by Gigon/Guyer in Zurich, are also set to appear in coming issues.

As was the case in previous years, the typical subdivision of archithese into a theme section and an architecture section has been temporarily suspended, in favour of the dividing categories „Swiss Performance“ and „Swiss Unlimited“. The latter category once again covers smaller or more experimental projects. The subsequent issues in 2012 will then be thematically oriented as usual: Issue 2 (Building Contractor) is dedicated to the client, without whom no architecture would come into being, and without whom it would sometimes look different. Issue 3 (The Building of the Community), which is the result of a cooperation with the Swiss Architecture Museum S AM, documents the First Goetheanum in Dornach and ventures to look at the prospects in the field of collectivist and participatory ­architecture. Issue 4 (Mixture and Mestizo) explains that in a globalised world, it is no longer possible to separate everything purely according to origin, while in issue 5, the editors are temporarily relocated to the capital city of the 19th century, which is now once again able to arouse considerable interest with regard to architecture and planning („Paris“). The year 2012 is brought to an end by archithese with the ultimate issue on the theme of all themes: Architecture.

The editors

04 Editorial

10 Herzog & de Meuron. Museum der Kulturen, Basel | Hubertus Adam
16 Graber & Steiger. Panoramagalerie Pilatus, Luzern | Hubertus Adam
22 Graber Pulver Architekten. Ecole des Métiers, Fribourg | Sabine von Fischer
28 Raphael Zuber Architekt. Schulhaus, Grono | Eberhard Tröger
34 von Ballmoos Krucker Architekten. Wohnsiedlung Triemli, Zürich | Elena Kossovskaja
38 Interview mit Holzer Kobler Architekturen. Militärhistorisches Museum, Dresden | Hubertus Adam
46 Edelmann Krell Architekten. Restaurant Theater Casino Zug | Steffen Hägele
50 Miller & Maranta Architekten. Wohnhaus am See | J. Christoph Bürkle
58 Escher GuneWardena Architecture. Sola/Wright Residence, Los Angeles | Lilian Pfaff
62 smarch. Wohnhausanbau, Meilen | Hubertus Adam
64 Burckhardt Partner. Roche Administrationsgebäude, Rotkreuz | Hubertus Adam

Swiss Unlimited
70 Michael Hansmeyer. Ornamented Columns | Hannes Meyer
74 Vehovar & Jauslin Architektur/Rolf Derrer. Gravity – Lichtkunst, Einsteinpassage Aarau
76 Miller & Maranta Architekten. Gartenpavillon, Basel | Hubertus Adam
78 Park Architekten. Aufstockung Rothenburg

Rubriken
80 Ausstellung: The Object of Zionism. Architektur und Staat Israel im Schweizerischen Architekturmuseum S AM
82 fsai
86 Junge Schweizer Architektinnen und Architekten. Park Architekten
89 Neues aus der Industrie
94 Lieferbare Hefte
96 Vorschau und Impressum