Claus and Kaan: high theory and low practice

Abstract

The work of Amsterdam architects Felix Claus and Kees Kaan is moving away from formulae associated with modern architecture. This paper studies their attempt to find meaning which is at once more abstract and more direct, and notes that a guiding light in their search is a fundamental concern with the physical realities and compromises of the building process.

Concepts and material associations in the work of Gigon/Guyer

“…However, a deeper analysis suggests that the enthusiasm for developing productive possibilities from a pluralist stance makes good sense. First of all, the idea that a concept will become a building necessarily engages architectural theory in a close relationship with the real constraints of practical work (Rattray, 1997). Second, Gigon/Guyer's approach accepts the way in which building contracts operate in Switzerland.…”