Herzog & de Meuron

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Herzog & de Meuron Basel Ltd. is an international architecture firm headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, with additional offices in Berlin, Hong Kong, London, Munich, New York City, Paris, and San Francisco.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> Founded in 1978 by Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, the practice's portfolio includes more than 600 projects in 40 countries. The company is led by the founding partners along with senior partners Christine Binswanger, Ascan Mergenthaler, Stefan Marbach, Jason Frantzen, Andreas Fries, Wim Walschap, and the CEO, Adrian Keller, who collectively oversee the firm's direction and management.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Its staff comprises over 500 employees representing more than 50 nationalities.<ref name=":0" />

History and international recognition

Herzog & de Meuron Basel Ltd. was founded in 1978 in Basel, Switzerland, by Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, graduates of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) in 1977.<ref name=":02">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The firm initially gained recognition for minimalist designs and innovative use of materials, such as the Blue House in Oberwil (1980)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and the Ricola Storage Building in Laufen (1987).<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> Their international reputation grew in the 1990s with projects like the Goetz Collection in Munich (1992),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":5" /> which featured glass cladding to diffuse natural light, and the Dominus Winery in Napa Valley (1997), notable for its gabion walls of local stones that integrate the structure with its surroundings.<ref name="dominus2">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":6" />

The transformation of London's Bankside Power Station into the Tate Modern (2000) marked a turning point, blending industrial history with contemporary design.<ref name="tate2">Template:Cite web</ref> The New York Times praised it as "an example of how architecture can breathe new life into old structures."<ref name="nytimes2">Template:Cite news</ref> In 2001, Herzog & de Meuron received the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, commended for their refined and innovative designs.<ref name="pritzker20012">Template:Cite web</ref>

High-profile projects in the 2000s included the Beijing National Stadium (2008), known as the "Bird's Nest," created in collaboration with artist Ai Weiwei for the Summer Olympics.<ref name="birdsnest2">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /> Other notable works included the REHAB Basel Clinic (2002), emphasizing light and openness for therapeutic recovery, and the Allianz Arena in Munich (2005), known for its dynamic ETFE façade.<ref name="rehab2">Template:Cite web</ref> The Prada Aoyama store in Tokyo (2003) showcased experimental glass architecture.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

In the 2010s, Herzog & de Meuron continued delivering landmark projects like the Vitra-Haus in Weil am Rhein (2010)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> and the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg (2017), blending a wave-like glass structure with a historic brick warehouse.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":11" /> In New York, 56 Leonard Street (2017) featured a "Jenga-like" design,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> while the Powerhouse Arts building in Brooklyn (2023) highlighted their expertise in adaptive reuse.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

In the 2020s, Herzog & de Meuron's work reflected a continued focus on innovation, sustainability, and cultural context. The M+ Museum in Hong Kong (2021) integrated LED lighting within a minimalist façade,<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":15" /> and the Roche pRED Innovation Center in Basel (2023) showcased modular, sustainable design principles for interdisciplinary collaboration.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Their healthcare projects include the Kinderspital in Zurich (2024),<ref name=":16" /><ref name=":17" /> prioritizing natural materials, light, and healing environments, and ongoing facilities such as Hillerød Hospital in Denmark<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and UCSF Health Helen Diller Hospital in San Francisco.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Herzog & de Meuron have been recognized globally, receiving the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 2015 for their "profound contributions to architecture."<ref name="riba20152">Template:Cite web</ref> Critic Jonathan Glancey summarized their impact: "Their work combines the physical and poetic, the robust and refined."<ref name="glancey2">Template:Cite news</ref>

Firm structure and governance

Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron established Herzog & de Meuron in Basel in 1978.<ref name="pritzkerprize.com">Template:Cite web</ref> Over the decades, the firm has expanded through the inclusion of new partners and leadership roles. The first partner, Harry Gugger, joined in 1991 (he left the practice in 2009),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> followed by Christine Binswanger in 1994.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Additional partners have since joined the practice: Robert Hösl and Ascan Mergenthaler in 2004, Stefan Marbach in 2006, Andreas Fries in 2011, Jason Frantzen and Wim Walschap in 2014, Simon Demeuse in 2019, Santiago Espitia Berndt in 2020, and Martin Knüsel in 2021.<ref name="hdm_partners">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The firm has also introduced Associate Partners, with Christoph Röttinger, Olga Bolshanina, and Steffen Riegas taking on the role in 2020, followed by Tobias Winkelmann in 2021.<ref name="hdm_associates">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2017, Adrian Keller joined Herzog & de Meuron as CEO, contributing to the firm's continued organizational and operational development.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Academia

Herzog & de Meuron have been actively involved in academia, contributing to architectural education internationally. Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron served as professors at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) from 1999 to 2018, where they co-founded the now discontinued ETH Studio Basel: Contemporary City Institute, focusing on urban studies and research.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":72">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They have also held teaching roles as visiting professors at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, with Jacques Herzog having served as a visiting tutor at the Cornell University College of Architecture, Art, and Planning.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> Although they are no longer teaching full-time, they continue to give lectures at various institutions.

The firm has produced several publications that contribute to architectural discourse. "Herzog & de Meuron: Natural History" (2002), co-authored with Philip Ursprung, explores the interplay between architecture and art through essays and detailed project analyses.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> "Herzog & de Meuron 1978–2007" (2008) is a comprehensive monograph that documents the firm's projects over nearly three decades, providing insights into their design processes and philosophies.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Another notable work is "The Complete Works" series, which offers in-depth examinations of their projects, emphasizing conceptual approaches and material innovations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Partners and associates of Herzog & de Meuron actively engage in architectural education and discourse through participation in studio reviews and lectures at various academic institutions. For example, senior partner Ascan Mergenthaler has been involved in studio critiques and has lectured at the Royal College of Art in London, sharing insights on contemporary architectural practice.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref> Senior partner Christine Binswanger has given talks at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), discussing the firm's approach to integrating environmental and social considerations in design.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> These activities allow the firm's contributition to the education of emerging architects and to engage with current academic dialogues in architecture.

Herzog & de Meuron have contributed to architectural discourse through several publications. The Inevitable Specificity of Cities (2015), co-authored among others by Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, presents urban research conducted at ETH Studio Basel.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The book explores the unique characteristics of cities worldwide, emphasizing the importance of local specificity in urban planning and development.<ref>Roger Diener, Jacques Herzog, Marcel Meili, Pierre de Meuron, Manuel Herz, Christian Schmid, Milica Topalovic (2015). The Inevitable Specificity of Cities. Edited by ETH Studio Basel. Zurich: Lars Müller Publishers.</ref> In MetroBasel. Ein Modell einer europäischen Metropolitan-Region (2009), Jacques Herzog, Pierre de Meuron, and Manuel Herz examine the Basel metropolitan area as a prototype for European metropolitan regions, discussing strategies for sustainable urban development and cross-border collaboration.<ref>Jacques Herzog, Pierre de Meuron, Manuel Herz (2009). MetroBasel. Ein Modell einer europäischen Metropolitan-Region. Edited by ETH Studio Basel. Basel: ETH Studio Basel.</ref>

Jacques Herzog und Pierre de Meuron Kabinett

The Kabinett is a charitable foundation established in Basel in 2015. It preserves and manages the extensive archives of the architects' works, including architectural drawings, sketches, models, and personal collections. The Kabinett is divided into three areas architecture, art, and photography, encompassing a wide range of materials and collections, such as the extensive Ruth and Peter Herzog collection of historic photography dating back to the early 19th century. Although the Kabinett is not open to the general public, it provides access to researchers and specialists by appointment.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Awards

Among others Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron have been awarded these prizes:

Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron have received multiple Honorary Doctorates from:

Selected projects

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Ricola Production and Storage Building in Brunstatt, France
Prada Aoyama Store façade in Tokyo, Japan
Turbine hall at Tate Modern, London, United Kingdom
Beijing National Stadium, Beijing, China
Elbphilharmonie, HafenCity in Hamburg, Germany
M+ Museum, Hong Kong, China
Kinderspital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Blue House is located in a suburban area in Oberwil, Switzerland, Completed in 1980, the Blue House both aligns with and distinguishes itself from neighboring suburban houses through its design, featuring a curved northern concrete block wall and a thin layer of ultramarine paint that creates an impression of fragility.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Dominus Winery in Napa Valley, California, known for its seamless integration with the landscape using gabion walls filled with local basalt rocks. Completed in 1997, the winery is celebrated for its minimalist design that blends harmoniously with the surrounding vineyard, reflecting a deep connection between architecture and nature.<ref name=":6">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • The Ricola Projects, including the Ricola Storage Building in Laufen (1987) and the Ricola Europe's Headquarters in Mulhouse-Brunstatt (1993), exemplify Herzog & de Meuron's innovative use of materials and form. The Storage Building features translucent polycarbonate panels that allow diffused light, while the Headquarters building integrates with the rural landscape using a distinctive curved roof and timber cladding.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":5">Template:Cite book</ref>
  • Prada Aoyama Tokyo, a flagship store in Tokyo's Aoyama district, completed in 2003. The building is renowned for its diamond-shaped glass façade with convex and concave panes, creating a dynamic and transparent structure that reflects the fashion brand's innovative spirit. The design merges retail space with architectural artistry, making it a landmark in contemporary commercial architecture.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Tate Modern in London, which transformed a disused power station into a modern art gallery. Opened in 2000, the Tate Modern has become one of the most visited art museums in the world, celebrated for its innovative design that seamlessly blends industrial elements with contemporary art spaces.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Beijing National Stadium, also known as the "Bird's Nest," built for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Its iconic structure is renowned for its unique steel lattice design, which has become a symbol of the 2008 Games and a landmark in Beijing. The stadium was designed as versatile venue and host both athletic events and cultural performances.<ref name=":8">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":9">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, a concert hall that has become a landmark of the city. Completed in 2016, the Elbphilharmonie features a striking glass structure atop a historic warehouse building, offering stunning views of the Hamburg harbor. It features world-class acoustics and has developed into a cultural hub for music and the arts.<ref name=":10">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":11">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Completed in 2002, the REHAB Basel is a specialized rehabilitation center. The facility focuses on neurological and orthopedic rehabilitation, with an architectural design that prioritizes patient comfort and interaction with nature.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Allianz Arena in Munich, that known for its façade that can change colors. Completed in 2005, the stadium is home to FC Bayern Munich and is renowned for its innovative design and the use of inflated ETFE plastic panels that can be lit up in different colors, creating a dynamic visual experience.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • 1111 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, a mixed-use development known for its innovative parking structure. Completed in 2010, this project is lauded for reimagining the parking garage as a dynamic urban space, featuring retail, dining, and event spaces that engage with the surrounding community.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • The M+ museum is a flagship cultural institution in Hong Kong's West Kowloon Cultural District. Completed in 2021, the building is known for its inverted T-shaped form, combining vast gallery spaces with offices and research areas. It houses also Uli Sigg's collection of Chinese art.<ref name=":12">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":14">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":15">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • The new Kinderspital Zürich, a children's hospital opened in 2024. The project emphasizes a healing environment, integrating natural light and green spaces to support the recovery process for young patients. By balancing advanced medical functionality with a nurturing atmosphere, the building represents a new model for pediatric healthcare facilities.<ref name=":16">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=":17">Template:Cite web</ref>

Exhibitions

While Herzog & de Meuron often make contributions to exhibitions at various institutions around the world, they have curated a number of solo exhibitions, most recently Herzog & de Meuron at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 2023.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

A selection of relevant exhibitions on Herzog & de Meuron's oeuvre. A complete list of exhibition can be found on their website.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Selected publications

  • Birkhäuser complete works series:<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
    • Gerhard Mack, Herzog & de Meuron: Herzog & de Meuron 1978–1988. The Complete Works. Volume 1. Birkhäuser, 1997.
    • Gerhard Mack, Herzog & de Meuron: Herzog & de Meuron 1992–1996. The Complete Works. Volume 3. Birkhäuser, 2000.
    • Gerhard Mack, Herzog & de Meuron: Herzog & de Meuron 1989–1991. The Complete Works. Volume 2. Birkhäuser, 2005.
    • Gerhard Mack, Herzog & de Meuron: Herzog & de Meuron 1997–2001. The Complete Works. Volume 4. Birkhäuser, 2008.
    • Gerhard Mack, Herzog & de Meuron: Herzog & de Meuron 2002–2004. The Complete Works. Volume 5. Birkhäuser, 2020.
    • Gerhard Mack, Herzog & de Meuron: Herzog & de Meuron 2005–2007. The Complete Works. Volume 6. Birkhäuser, 2018.
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An all encompassing list of monographs on and by Herzog & de Meuron as well as their writings are available on their official website.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

References

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