PROFILE
L to R: Mirror House. Hotel Schgaguler. Oberholz.
peter pichler
A Holistic Approach to Architecture | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
E
nsuring a holistic approach to architecture, Peter Pichler not only perceives the construction of a building as a frozen moment in culture, he surmises it through contemporary reinterpretations. Juxtaposing nature, heritage and culture into visionary projects, he creates spaces that exemplify a modern-day feel. Peter, tell us a bit about yourself. I studied Architecture at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, graduating with distinction in the masterclass of Zaha Hadid, as well as in the United States at the University of California (UCLA). After two internships at Delugan Meissl in Vienna and OMA/Rem Koolhaas in Rotterdam, I started to work at Zaha Hadid Architects in London. In 2015, I founded Peter Pichler Architecture in Milan together with my wife Silvana Ordinas. When did you realize you want to become an architect? I attended a very technical high school in Italy and after that, I did not know what I wanted to do … if it was something more technical or something more artistic. At that time, I was lucky to meet the famous artist Walter Pichler, who was a cousin of my father. Walter was a true inspiration for me; he was one of the driving forces of
12 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021
the Austrian architecture scene. During the 60s and 70s, Walter was part of an important artistic movement in Vienna. He even did some exhibitions with German artist Joseph Beuys and some other well-known international artists. When I met him, he encouraged me to study architecture and to see architecture not just as a technical profession, but as if it could be something else. During your studies, you graduated with distinction in the masterclass of the late Zaha Hadid after which you also worked for her as a project architect post graduation. What are your fondest memories from that experience? The first time I met Zaha, was when I was a second-year student starting an internship in London. I needed to go to the restroom and without realizing it, I used Zaha’s private bathroom. I really thought it was going to be my last day working there as I didn’t know it was for her exclusive use only, but in the end, I worked at her firm for a few years. You started your own firm, Peter Pichler Architecture in 2015 with an amazing portfolio. Which ones have been highlights for you, past and present? Every project is unique and has its own story behind it. Your wife, Silvana Ordinas co-founded your firm with
