Architecture that is meant to have a sensuous connection to life calls for thinking that goes far beyond form and construction. In his texts, Peter Zumthor articulates what motivates him to design his buildings, which appeal to the visitor's heart and mind in so many different ways and possess a compelling and unmistakable presence and aura. Now in its third edition, this book has been expanded to include two new essays: „Architecture and Lanscape” deals with the relationship between the structure and its surroundings, with the secret of the successful placement and topographical integration of architecture. In „The Leis Houses”, Peter Zumthor describes the genesis of two wooden houses in the town of Leis in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, thus thematizing the special challenge of integrating contemporary architecture into a traditional architectural context.

Architecture that is meant to have a sensuous connection to life calls for thinking that goes far beyond form and construction. In his texts, Peter Zumthor articulates what motivates him to design his buildings, which appeal to the visitor's heart and mind in so many different ways and possess a compelling and unmistakable presence and aura. Now in its third edition, this book has been expanded to include two new essays: „Architecture and Lanscape” deals with the relationship between the structure and its surroundings, with the secret of the successful placement and topographical integration of architecture. In „The Leis Houses”, Peter Zumthor describes the genesis of two wooden houses in the town of Leis in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, thus thematizing the special challenge of integrating contemporary architecture into a traditional architectural context.

Eine Architektur, die in einer sinnlichen Verbindung zum Leben stehen soll, erfordert ein Denken, das über Form und Konstruktion weit hinausgeht. In seinen Texten bringt Peter Zumthor zum Ausdruck, was ihn zu diesen Gebäuden motiviert, die Gefühl und Verstand auf so vielfältige Weise ansprechen und über eine unbedingte Präsenz und Ausstrahlung verfügen.
Dieses Buch, das nun bereits in dritter Auflage erscheint, wurde nun um zwei neue Essays ergänzt: «Architektur und Landschaft» beschäftigt sich mit dem Verhältnis von Bauwerk und Umgebung, dem Geheimnis der gelungenen Platzierung und topografischen Einbindung von Architektur. In «Die Leiserhäuser» beschreibt Peter Zumthor das Entstehen zweier Holzhäuser im bündnerischen Leis und thematisiert damit die besondere Herausforderung, zeitgenössische Architektur in einen traditionellen baulichen Kontext zu integrieren.