The Swiss Pavilion at the 15th International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale featured a project titled Incidental Space, designed by Christian Kerez. This installation highlighted his dual commitment to structural experimentation and architectural photography, fields he has navigated throughout a career that began in Zurich in 1993 following his graduation from ETH Zurich.
Professional Origins
Born in Maracaibo in 1962 to Christoph and Gisela Kerez, Christian Kerez completed his formal architectural training at ETH Zurich in 1991. His early professional years involved collaboration with Rudolf Fontana in Domat/Ems, where he contributed to projects including the Oberrealta Chapel in Cazis and the mortuary in Bonaduz. In 1993, he established his independent office in Zurich, marking the beginning of a practice that spans residential, institutional, and museum architecture.
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Since 2001, Kerez has maintained a significant presence at ETH Zurich, transitioning from a visiting professor to a permanent professorship in 2009. His tenure has been defined by the promotion of diverse architectural perspectives, having invited practitioners such as Raphael Zuber, Bijoy Jain, and Junya Ishigami to contribute to the academic environment. Additionally, he held the Kenzo Tange Chair at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design during the 2012–2013 academic year.
Core Architectural Works
His portfolio includes the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein in Vaduz, completed in 2000 in collaboration with Morger & Degelo, and the schoolhouse Leutschenbach in Zurich, finalized in 2009. Other notable projects include the apartment building on Forsterstrasse, the House with one wall, and the House Tomio Okamura in Prague. His international reach expanded through winning competition designs for the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw and the Textilmuseum in St. Gallen.
Fast facts
- Born: 27 May 1962, Maracaibo
- Education: ETH Zurich
- Office established: 1993, Zurich
- Notable project: Schoolhouse Leutschenbach, Zurich
- Award: Swiss Art Award, 1999
- Academic role: Professor at ETH Zurich since 2009
- Spouse: Catherine Kerez
Questions readers ask
Where did Christian Kerez study architecture?
He studied at ETH Zurich, completing his degree in 1991.
What is his role in architectural photography?
Beyond his design work, Kerez has documented projects for architects including Valerio Olgiati and Herzog & de Meuron.
Achievements
- Trained at ETH Zurich
