Thomas Kissling

An exploration of the Alpine region's dynamic topography, conceived for the 17th Venice Architecture Biennale For How Will We Live Together, VOGT Landscape Architects has collaborated with the Chair of Günther Vogt at ETH Zurich, Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies on a publication that excavates the dynamic landscape of the Alpine region, with a particular focus on hydrological, biological and geological aspects of the topography. Characterized by a great diversity in all spatial dimensions and qualities, the Alps are not a stable structure, but a dynamic and sensitive organism, defined at the same time by intensive cultivation by humankind. Here, boundaries are ceaselessly overcome and continuously shifted. Solid, Fluid, Bionicdocuments the contributions at the Biennale exploring the nature of alpine topography and complements them with scientific essays, artistic works and comprehensive photographs taken during field trips to the Alps.

Solid, Fluid, Bionic: Changing Alpine Landscapes

Günther Vogt

Anyone viewing what we call a landscape from a distance will recognize that it is an artifact, a habitat created by humans as part of our built environment. Designing this realm carefully is a discipline that is taking on increasing importance today. Gunter Vogt, with his practice in VOGT Landscape Architects and as a professor at ETH Zurich, has developed a set of tools and a working method that incorporate all the different dimensions of the human-designed environment, from the large-scale landscape to the small-scale urban public space.00'Mutation and Morphosis' looks at all the many aspects involved in the collective process of designing and shaping landscapes, from planning to implementation. The model as a tool and the collection as a driving force are illustrated on the basis of an astonishing variety of topics. In theoretical discussions and the examination of detailed dossiers of facts on the ground, a trajectory is traced: from the emergence of new landscapes as a result of climate change to the migration of the wolf to Central Europe, from the impact of invasive plants to the study of geological formation processes. The panorama that unfolds gives us insights into the broad context that landscape architects must consider in their work, exemplifi ed by the outstanding projects realized by VOGT.

Thomas Kissling

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