"I LOVE CHALETS," the latest exhibtion at the Center for Architecture Zurich, dives deep into the evolution of the Swiss chalet, tracing its journey from a local architectural staple to a global icon of cultural adaptation. For centuries, the Swiss chalet has been exported and reinterpreted through sketches, pattern books, artistic photographs, and, most recently, digital platforms. Each iteration brings back new interpretations and modifications that continuously redefine its architectural essence.
This thought-provoking exhibition, curated by Nicole McIntosh and Jonathan Louie of Architecture Office, explores the dynamic processes of appropriation and transformation that these iconic buildings undergo, illustrating how emerging visual technologies and innovative design methods are expanding our current perception of this beloved architectural style. "The chalet has returned from each place with new forms and associations, constantly changing the identity of the building," remarks the curator, emphasizing the evolving nature of cultural exchange in architecture.
A significant highlight of the exhibition is its focus on New Glarus, Wisconsin, a town that uniquely encapsulates the melding of Swiss architectural traditions with American cultural landscapes. Founded by Swiss immigrants in 1845, New Glarus transitioned from a simple dairy village into a thriving tourist hub by capitalizing on its Swiss heritage. This economic shift was strategically engineered in the 1950s when local business leaders began to "swissify" their commercial facades, thus creating a visual allure that attracted tourists seeking a slice of Switzerland in America.
Today, New Glarus’s commitment to maintaining its Swiss aesthetic is codified in its building regulations, specifically "Chapter 118: Building construction, Article II: Swiss architectural theme." These rules not only dictate the architectural style but also aim to preserve the essence of traditional Swiss chalets, as evidenced by the seven picture books that illustrate various chalet styles from across the Swiss cantons.
The exhibition prominently features the work of Chicago-based photographer Brian Griffin, who in winter 2019, captured the distinct facades of New Glarus’s chalets. Griffin’s photographs, focusing on playful roof shapes and intricately decorated windows, place these buildings within the broader narrative of Swiss cultural preservation abroad. His work encourages viewers to explore the detailed craftsmanship and architectural uniqueness that define each structure.
Further enriching the exhibition are several innovative installations, such as "Chalet-ish," which playfully deconstructs the chalet form to display its global interpretations. This installation includes a curated selection of books that document the diverse manifestations of Swiss chalets around the world, emphasizing the typology's global reach and adaptability.
Additional installations like "Tell no Cabbage" and "It has as long as it has" offer a more critical take on the Swiss chalet, examining the construction details and material aspects that have been adapted or lost in translation across different cultural contexts. These pieces challenge visitors to consider how architectural forms are shaped by and reshape cultural identities.
The exhibition is complemented by a series of guided tours and lectures, connecting the historical and architectural significance of the Swiss chalet with broader themes of migration, memory, and cultural identity. These events, featuring discussions with noted historians and the curatorial team, provide a deeper dive into the complex interplay of architecture and cultural heritage.
"I LOVE CHALETS" not only serves as a tribute to the Swiss chalet but also acts as a platform for discussing broader questions about authenticity, adaptation, and the global movement of architectural styles. It offers a unique lens through which to view the impact of cultural exchange on architecture, making it a crucial visit for those interested in how buildings narrate stories of identity and transformation.
