The Stiva da morts, a mortuary serving the Swiss village of Vrin, stands as a primary example of how Gion A. Caminada integrates minimalist modern design with traditional construction methods. Born in Vrin in 1957, Caminada has spent his career establishing a architectural dialogue between the cultural heritage of the Graubünden region and contemporary requirements for space.
Professional Formation
Before pursuing formal architectural studies, Caminada completed an apprenticeship as a carpenter and cabinetmaker. He later attended the Kunstgewerbeschule Zürich, which is currently integrated into the Zurich University of the Arts. He earned his postgraduate degree in architecture from ETH Zurich. Since the late 1970s, he has maintained a professional office based in his native Vrin while continuing his academic duties in Zurich.
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Caminada holds a long-standing association with ETH Zurich. He began as an assistant professor of architecture in 1998, advancing to associate professor for architecture and design in 2008. By 2020, the institution appointed him as a full professor for architecture and design, where he continues to influence the development of regional and modern design methodologies.
Architectural Projects
His projects often utilize wood, reflecting local Swiss building traditions. Notable works include the Mehrzweckhalle Vrin, a multipurpose hall completed in 1995 alongside civil engineer Jürg Conzett. Between 1996 and 2002, he executed the Stiva da morts, also known as the Totenstube. Beyond Vrin, his portfolio encompasses a house in Blatten bei Naters, a dormitory at Disentis Abbey, a school in Duvin, residential structures in Siat, and a guesthouse renovation in Valendas. In 2014, his work was the subject of an exhibition at the House of Art in České Budějovice.
Distinctions
The architect has received multiple honors throughout his career. He was recognized by the Auszeichnungen für gute Bauten Graubünden in 1994, 2013, and 2017. Other accolades include the Eidgenössischer Preis für freie Kunst, now recognized as the Swiss Art Awards, in 1996, the Deutscher Kritikerpreis in 2008, the Prix Meret Oppenheim in 2010, and the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture in 2016.
Fast facts
- Born: 1957, Vrin, Switzerland
- Education: Kunstgewerbeschule Zürich, ETH Zurich
- Current Position: Full Professor of Architecture and Design, ETH Zurich
- Notable Work: Stiva da morts, Vrin
- Recognition: Prix Meret Oppenheim (2010)
- Professional Background: Carpenter and cabinetmaker
- Active Areas: Vrin, Zurich
Questions readers ask
Where is the majority of Caminada's work located?
His work is primarily concentrated in and around the Swiss village of Vrin.
What materials does Gion A. Caminada typically use?
He frequently employs wood in a minimalist style that combines modern design with traditional Swiss construction methods.
Achievements
- Trained at ETH Zurich
