Thinking Tectonics - Alpine Survival

THINKING TECTONICS about the architecture of extremes and alpine survival

Cover Image Bosco Gurin Granary, Mushroom stone support 2

THINKING TECTONICS about the architecture of extremes and alpine survival Architecture is understood as being the responsive result of the extreme requirements of its surroundings: the weather, the topography and the specific social conditions shape architecture in a particular manner.

The knowledge gained in this exploration helps to develop a tectonic way of thinking as an awareness to take the appropriate decisions as an answer to specific requirements, with the ultimate objective of reaching an alliance between design and construction.

Ziad Labib

3

Hochschule Luzern Lucerne University of Applied Science and Arts Engineering and Architecture BA Architecture - Theory Module WS15 Alpine Survival, thinking Tectonics Student: Ziad Labib Lecturer: Natalie Plagaro Cowee, dipl. Architect ETSAM, SIA, Herrliberg ZH Assistant: Matthew Howell Architect USI-AAM/SIA, Bern 4

8

I.

ABOUT TECTONICS

10

II.

TECTONICS OF EXTREMES

II.Building in hot climates

14

III.

Case study: Wind catchers in Iran TECTONIC MECHANISMS OF THE ALPINE REGION

III.01 Tectonics of Support III.02 Tectonics of Support III.03 Tectonics of Support III.04 Tectonics of Support III.05 Tectonics of Support III.06 Tectonics of Support III.07 Tectonics of Support III.08 Tectonics of Support III.09 Tectonics of Support III.10 Tectonics of Protection III.11 Tectonics of Protection III.12 Tectonics of Protection III.13 Tectonics of Protection III.14 Tectonics of Protection III.15 Tectonics of Protection III.16 Tectonics of Protection III.17 Tectonics of Protection III.18 Tectonics of Protection III.19 Tectonics of Ventilation III.20 Tectonics of Guidance

56

IV.

TECTONIC MECHANISMS OF THE 20TH CENTURY

IV.1 Tectonics and Material

IV.2 Tectonics and Structure

IV.3 Tectonics and Light

64

DETAIL OF DESIRE

V.

70

V. Detail of Heterotropic Tower entrance.

LIST OF FIGURES

74 BIBLIOGRAPHY

5

6

I. ABOUT TECTONICS

Tectonics of architecture is “the science or art of construction, both in relation to use and artistic design.” (Robert Maulden, Tectonics and architecture, P. 11). Tectonics is also the combination and the formation behind a building. In other words, it is the way that a building was put together in order to give and express a certain amenity.

Moreover, a poem consists of words that in their combination form a theme. A space can also be seen as a theme or even a story which you read –without words.You may say tectonics is like ‘the poetics of construction’; the good poems leaving you breathless and amazed others giving you chills or making you sad. Furthermore, tectonics is considered an art; “the art of a certain engineering in which the expressive potential of constructional techniques”( David Spurr, Architecture and Modern Literature, P. 04) leads to generating a rhythm and a poem that express a theme.

The sequence of tectonics varies greatly in all views. However, the general approach of architects and the results are all towards how the space is defined by tectonics. A Building, a terrace, a pavilion, or even a basket can all be influenced by tectonics. Tectonics is the combination of different elements in the purpose of achieving an expression of the space and a function. It is also the result of how different crucial factors shaped a structure of the object.

Figure 01 Use of wood straw to construct a basket, interlacing of the straw meets the structure requirments and different colors of the wood meet the design, by Matt Tommy 7

8

II. TECTONICS OF EXTREMES

In hot and dry climates, buildings face a problem of excess of heat and low humidity. Adapting the architecture for this climate has been done in different ways. In Iran, the most efficient passive cooling systems for buildings are the wind catcher as well as the thickness of the walls.

9

10

II. TECTONICS OF EXTREMES Building with Hot Climates Case study: Wind catcher Iran

Wind catchers can be built with several different techniques and materials as long as it permits the entrance and flow of the wind into the interior. In hot desert climates, they use stone, mud bricks and wood for the support of these wind catchers.

The wind catchers are oriented towards the wind direction which is occasionally towards the sea.

The air is funnelled from a higher altitude into the tower and down to the main space of living. In between this process, where the air is flowing through the wind catchers, air can be processed through filtrations; the air can be processed for dust and rain fall. Moreover, to add to the humidity and coolness of the inside space a water basin or body can be inserted in or below the wind catcher.

In the building, after the air as been heated by users, the hot air is rises up through exits in the buildings either through courtyards, the same tower, windows, or even a dome.

Location: Iran Climate zone: Hot and dry Construction period: 18th Century Materials: Stone and wood

Figure 02 Wind Catcher built with wood and mud birkcs of the hot climate 11

12

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS OF THE ALPINE REGION

13

14

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF SUPPORT COMPRESSION

In remote alpine regions granary houses were built and used for processing of food. These small buildings are elevated as a result of design solution to prevent rodents from entering.

The houses, built mostly of classic timber construction, are supported by a method called the mushroom support. Stones are placed on thick wood pieces to support the whole granary. The compression of the granary’s timber structure is directed to these stones and then to the wood pieces which are placed on another timber log and the plinth which is made of stone.

This mushroom support is the tectonic result to the design of the elevated granary and its construction. The mushroom shaped support is how they prevented rodents from entering as rodents cannot climb this stone piece.

Figure 03 Bosco Gurin Granary, Mushroom stone support 15

16

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF SUPPORT STACKING

As the alpine region has a high amount of forest, timber was vastly used in the construction of houses. As timber serves as insulator against the cold and humidity, wood was used as a wall.

The stacking and assembly of large pieces of timber formed houses and offered a warm interior.

Openings in the wall are easier to have in this method as the remaining upper part of the wall can hold itself because wood can handle tension.

Using wood, for its availability as a construction material, formed the design of majority of houses in the alpine region. Hence, the stacking of wood was extremely common as a structure method.

Figure 04 Stacking of timber to form insulation barrier and load bearing system for house, Bosco Gurin 17

18

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF SUPPORT SKEWING

Wood can come in several colours, strengths and forms. Different pieces can be used to fit in specific parts that a regular piece of wood would not suit.

Either handmade or found, bent wood was used in this example to support an upper level without disturbing a passage. Connected with a vertical side and a horizontal side the load is transferred through this brace diagonally.

The wooden members have steel or interlocking connections and are strong enough to support the load and also serve the design of the house.

Figure 05 Bent wood to transfer horizontal to vertical load diagonally, Ballenberg Museum, 19

20

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF SUPPORT CLAMPING

As steel is not a common resource of construction material in the alpine region it was not used often.

Steel joining rarely use in construction of wooden and stone houses as it was also very expensive.

Other methods of assembling were made on site as a solution.

In joining of wood, often there would be a clamping of two pieces to form this joint which is either reinforced by tension or compression. This joint is called a lapping joint. The clamping of woods reinforced the structure and was often considered more sufficient, stronger, and cheaper than use of steel.

Figure 06 Clamping of wood members to hold support for openings, Ballenberg Museum 21

ONE relevant drawing or image of an alpine tectonic principle.

In case of drawing: Black background with strong white lines.

Sketches or cad.

Black and white, high-quality image.

THEN DELETE THIS TEXT. (The caption of the image is at the bottom of the following page.)

22

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF Support Profiling

The large wooden members placed to form the corners of the house are stacked on top of each other. At the corners to connect these members, handmade wood connections are designed. In these connections members interlock and gain their rigidity. The interlocking of these members then forms the profiling at the sides where the remaining piece of the member is protruding after the interlocking connection.

Moreover, extending through the wall are joists that hold not only the upper floor, but are able to hold the walls in place.

Figure 07 Interlocking of wood in corners of house to increase strength, rigidty, and insulation, Bosco Gurin 23

ONE relevant drawing or image of an alpine tectonic principle.

In case of drawing: Black background with strong white lines.

Sketches or cad.

Black and white, high-quality image.

THEN DELETE THIS TEXT. (The caption of the image is at the bottom of the following page.)

24

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF SUPPORT STACKING

Houses made of thick stones were often the result of the climate conditions. Because of the increase of thickness, the stone walls serve as a heat storage for the house. Placing stone pieces formed a mass for the houses which was sufficient to hold the structure and store heat for the interior.

Moreover, to make an opening, a lintel of large stone is used to direct the load of the upper stones to the sides. Placing the lintel above the opening will also remove any forced against the door or window and prevent any damage.

Figure 08 Stone stacking forming wall thickness for heat and protection from rain, Bosco Gurin farm houses 25

26

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF Support Plugging

As steel is not a common material in the alpine region, handmade timber assembly were often the solution. Using the plugging technique in which the wood interlocks with each other was a structural approach that solved this problem.

To increase structural rigidity, members are cut and connected on site with specific dimensions that make it precise to its role in the structure. Through a diagonally half lapped joint, there is no need for steel connection.

Braces, without steel connections, gained its rigidity by being fitted and plugged into the horizontal member. `

Figure 09 Plugging of wooden members using only hand made connection and no joints of steel, Ballenberg Museum 27

28

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF SUPPORT CANTILEVERING

Relating to the vernacular alpine architecture, Herzog de Meuron designed a mountain summit building that suits the surrounding context. Built mostly out of timber, the house structure is that of traditional alpine building system. “the structure’s form absorbs the language of the regions vernacular wooden architecture” Extending through the walls of the house are the joists and beams that support the building. Penetrating through the wall these joists are then used to support perpendicular beams that hold the roof tiles. Through a method of cantilevering, these joists have enough support. The connection is here changed. Cutting the timber diagonally, they form a flat surface upon which the upper beams can rest on. Braced together through steel nails, the connection relies on the weight of the roof to keep the building in place.

Figure 10 herzong & de meuron, Chaserrugg, Switzerland, 2015 29

30

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF SUPPORT PLUGGING

Using no steel joints, wooden members are assembled using interlocking technique. Each member fits into the openings of the other members precisely and differently according to its function in the structure as well as transfer of load. Using no steel increases the lifespan of the building and still insures rigidity

Figure 11 Alpine Barn Apartment, bohinj, slovenia, 2014 31

32

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF PROTECTION HOOKING

In extreme climates of heavy snow fall, houses were designed with a special roof. Stone stacked roofs that were constructed as a pitched roof were not merely enough; to prevent the large amount of snow from sliding of the roof and to increase insulation of heat inside the houses, a design was needed.

Stone pieces were placed on the sloped roof of the houses and connected to the roof itself through a steel or metal connection. This connection was to hold the tensions forces produced by the snow residing on the roof.

The construction of stone pitched roofs had played another role. These stone pieces increased the amount of insulation in the houses; as heat has more difficulty from escaping through the snow covered roof, the heat is trapped inside the house

Figure 12 avoid snow sliding off the roof and therefor increase insulation, Bosco Gurin 33

34

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF PROTECTION OVERLAPPING

In some houses merely stacked stone roofs are not enough to protect from the cold and heavy rainfall.

Wooden roofs were sometimes used where stone was neither available or sufficient enough.

Shingles, placed on the pitched roof to carry the rain down, are placed in rows and pinned down to prevent them from sliding. Pinning down these shingles also increased the insulation of the roof and decreased any leaking of rain water through the roof.

As wood is a good insulator, the interior of the house has more heat and less leaks due to stacking of several rows of these shingles.

Figure 13 Overlapping of wood pieces on top of roof for protection from rainfall and increase insulation, Balenberg Museum 35

36

III. TECTONIC PRINCIPLES FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF PROTECTION OVERLAPPING

Stone, a common material found in the mountain, is commonly used in houses. Creating stone roofs is common for its strength against the climate and durability.

As rain fall requires a slope to guide it off the roof then stones are required to be placed at a curtain angle as well. Built from top to bottom, each piece of stone is placed on top of the other, overlapping until they reach the pitched roof. Holding the stones are perpendicular timber beams that are attached to beams perpendicular to them through a half lapped joint. The weight of the stones and their perpendicular beams holds them down.

Moreover, the overlapping of the stones decreases the leaking of any water through the stone and increases insulation of heat.

Figure 14 Stone overlapping to form insulation, Ballenberg Museum 37

38

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF PROTECTION CANTILEVERING

Cantilevering roofs in houses are design solution to offering a sheltered outside area or often in times use to protect the wood facade from the rain.

Under any circumstance, to hold this hanging roof, wood is used.

The tension resulted from the roof can only, at the time and place, be supported by wood. Simply extending wooden beams from the interior and from the roof to the cantilevering roof and reinforcing the support by placing wooden columns at the end of the roof was sufficient enough to hold the load of the roof.

Figure 15 Hanging roof over terrace with wooden supports, Bosco Gurin 39

40

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF PROTECTION INTERLACING

Creating pieces of interlacing wood formed, in some cases, a wall. Creating this sort of interlacing allowed for a gap in between that can be used to be filled with an insulating material. Moreover, this interlacing is held by perpendicular pieces of wood placed evenly through the length of the wall.

Nailing down the interlacing wood, the wall is held together however not strong enough to hold any vertical load.

Figure 16 Interlacing wood filled with mud as cavity for protection 41

42

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF PROTECTION INTERLACING

Extending beams from the trusses that hold the house extend to the exterior and helps to hold the extending roof. Through a halved joint, the trusses are held up by perpendicular timber. In some cases, additional steel nails are used to strengthen this connection.

Moreover, using this traditional and simple tectonic approach helps meet the requirement of the structure and prevent using timber columns that would disturb passage.

Figure 17 Interlacing of timber connection to form halved joint to hold load of roof 43

ONE relevant drawing or image of an alpine tectonic principle.

In case of drawing: Black background with strong white lines.

Sketches or cad.

Black and white, high-quality image.

THEN DELETE THIS TEXT. (The caption of the image is at the bottom of the following page.)

44

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF PROTECTION OVERLAPPING

For climate conditions, it is necessary to protect the primary structure and facade from rainfall using particular elements. Inserting overlapping shingles causes an insulation against the rain that gives the building the protection it needs. This overlapping insures that rain will not go inside and simply slide off. The shingles vary in size and are nailed to the facade.

Figure 18 Peter Zumthor, Saint Benedict Chapel, 1988 45

46

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF PROTECTION CLADDING

“This hut is situated in a small Alpine village, part of the Triglav national park.”

“Materials – the elements such as stone, wooden columns and facade patterns are all taken from the local environment a reinstate the dialogue of the surrounding typology” Through the use of construction and design, the combination between wood and stone, the house relates its identity to that of the alpine region.

“The upper floor is cantilevered over the front of the ground floor and acts as sun protector in summer when the sun is higher.”

Figure 19 OFIS ARHITEKTI, Alpine hut in Slovene Alps 47

48

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF PROTECTION PROFILING

To protect the facade of the house, Christian Zimmerman created protruding members of timber overlapping and creating a profile of the facade.

The members protect the connection between wood and allow for vertical ventilation. The cladding, in this case, is timber members placed vertical to the connection

Figure 20 Zimmerman Architecture, Aarau, 2012 49

50

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF VENTILATION TENSION

Building in which hay and wood are stored and protected from the rain require ventilation. Openings either with windows or not are constructed in the wall bearing houses in similar methods.

In masonry walls the masonry form the jambs of the opening and, to support the remaining upper part of the whole, a thicker stone or pieces of wood is placed: the lintel. A combination of material between wood and stone is often the result of the openings.

Moreover, in chimneys stone are also stacked transferring the vertical loads onto each other.

The simple solution of placing a support to the remaining upper part of the wall, a lintel, was a necessary construction to the design of the opening.

Figure 21 Ballenberg Museum, Stone stacking with opening and wood members 51

52

III. TECTONIC MECHANISMS FROM THE ALPINE REGION

TECTONICS OF GUIDANCE CONSOLING

Beam extending through the house and the walls support perpendicular beams. Through consoling, the beams are placed on top of each other and provide neccessary support.thus required no connection, this load bearing structure technique is traditional as it requires less time to built, no steel connections, and rooted to the alpine region architecture.

Figure 22 Gutter pipe connected to structure through metal/ stell consoling, Bosco Gurin 53

54

IV. TECTONIC MECHANISMS OF THE 20TH CENTURY

55

56

IV. TECTONICS AND MATERIAL

Inventing new ways of expression of a curtain atmosphere, Peter Zumthor created a new tectonic approach to what we call a wall. In his building, the Thermal Baths in Vals, Peter Zumthor constructed his space as a part of the mountain where water would be found, upon this idea, the atmosphere of and expression of materials emerged and played a great role to the visitors senses.

As being a part of the mountain, the space was to be conceived as a partially open cave where water would be offered along the circulation of users.

Moreover, to express the atmosphere of a cave construction and architecture once again join to construct the surrounding of this space. The new method of constructing was the stacking of horizontal stone pieces. Stone gathered from nearby quarries were sliced horizontally and placed on top of each other hence obliging to the atmosphere of being in a cave.

Given that each piece is different in color, the walls express a curtain aesthetic appealing to users. A curtain precision was also used to construct these stone walls where a grid was formed in which a curtain amount of 5cm stone pieces would make a block and this required a curtain amount of craftsmanship

Figure 23 Use of stone to relate to concept of the space; creating a cave in the mountain.

57

58

IV: TECTONICS AND Light

IV. TECTONICS AND LIGHT

Louis Khan, a master of tectonics, was given the regular challenge of constructing a space with indirect light. The approach was through a construction process that changed the view of a roof.

Building vaults parrallel to each other, Louis was able to oblige to the needs of such a space.

“The distinct forms of the Kimbell Museum’s cycloid barrel vaults are rimmed with narrow plexiglass skylights, providing room for natural light to penetrate into the spaces. To diffuse this light, pierced-aluminium reflectors shaped like wings hang below, illuminating the smooth surfaces of the concrete vault while providing elegant and enchanting light conditions for the works of art.”

(Luca Bellinelli, Louis I. Kahn: the construction of the Kimbell Art Museum, P.20) Moreover, the result followed through to the philosophy of a Kahn; as he never admired the technical part of any building like the pipes and electric cables, Kahn built spaces between these vaults that would house and also hide this part of architecture.

Figure 24, 25 Interior of Kimbell’s Museum, the indirect light from the roof.

Section through Kimbell’s Museum, structure of roof life and pipes between ba rrell vaults 59

60

IV: TECTONICS AND STRUCTURE

IV. TECTONICS AND STRUCTURE

Johan Celsing, a Swedish architect, constructed a space of lightness and light spirited. “the walls are given a classical tripartite sub-division with a 2.3m datum of glazed brick acting as a base and a 5m plane of lime washed render, which also accommodates the enormous windows capped by that in-situ cast concrete crown.”

Johan Celsing approached the wall in a different matter; he constructed rectangular openings that deceive user to thinking that the wall was very thin. “the detailing of the larger openings creates a subtle refinement to the light quality. The external walls are built of load-bearing, cavity wall brickwork that at 88cm thick lends a massive quality to the masonry.” “rather than choosing to expose the depth of the wall construction, Celsing has created a niche to either side of the glazing and a thin, screen-like quality to the inside face of the wall. The effect is remarkable, simultaneously providing a luminous quality to the light as it is held within these interstitial spaces and distinguishing the high-level windows from those below; the low-level openings allowing a personal engagement as one sits with their depth on the perimeter seating while the larger openings re-frame the heavens above.”

(Charlotte Bundgaard in Towards an Ecology of Tectonics, P.11)

Figure26 Lutheran Church Interior, Stockholm, Sweden Lightness of interior space construction 61

62

V. DETAIL OF DESIRE

Standing on the mountain slopes of Bosco Gurin, the tower’s main space addresses the different senses of user. The entrance lobby consists of elements of proportion, light, material, sound and temperature.

63

64

In differentiating between the spaces, the atmosphere also changes. In the entrance lobby, the temperature is cold to relate the function and atmosphere of the space. Moreover, in upper levels the temperature changes and thus the insulation layers and quality of interior material.

The ground floor walls consist of a passively insulated space where only the thickness of the concrete and a 15cm insulation layer would protect and trap the temperature inside.

65

66

IV. DETAIL OF DESIRE

However, the upper level changes in temperature and in return the insulation layer changes.

In upper level the insulation layer is increased vto 25cm and this creates a higher temperature inside.

Moreover, in the building the structure is expressed as an element that can be experienced by the users. Therefore, the structure is separated from the walls and in the gallery level the structure goes through the floor.

Figure 27 Interior Perspective 67

68

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 01 Neddo, N.: The Organic Artist: Make Your Own Paint, Paper, Pigments, Prints and More from Nature, Quarry Books, Boston USA, 2015, P.30 Figure 02 Sayigh, Ali: Wind Towers: Architecture, Climate and Sustainability, Springer, Iran, 2014, P.209 Figures 03-17 Labib, Z.: Alpine Region, Switzerland, 2015 Figure 03 Labib, Z.: Bosco Gurin, Switzerland, 2015 Figure 04 Labib, Z.: Bosco Gurin, Switzerland, 2015 Figure 05 Labib, Z,: Ballenberg, Switzerland, 2015.

Figure 06 Labib, Z,: Ballenberg, Switzerland, 2015.

Figure 07 Labib, Z.: Bosco Gurin, Switzerland, 2015 Figure 08 Labib, Z.: Bosco Gurin, Switzerland, 2015 Figure 09 Labib, Z,: Ballenberg, Switzerland, 2015.

Figure 10 Chaserrugg, A.: Design Boom, Philip Stevens, Chasserrug, Switzerland, 2015 Figure 11 Ofis Arhitekti: Alpine Barn Apartment, ofis-a.si, Bohinj, Slovenia, 2014 Figure 12 Labib, Z.: Bosco Gurin, Switzerland, 2015 Figure 13 Ballenberg, Switzerland, 2015.

Figure 14 Ballenberg, Switzerland, 2015.

69

70

Figure 15 Labib, Z.: Bosco Gurin, Switzerland, 2015 Figure 16 Ballenberg, Switzerland, 2015.

Figure 17 Ballenberg, Switzerland, 2015.

Figure 18 Charleson, Andrew.: Structure As Architecture: A Source Book for Architects and Structural Engineers, Routledge,GraubĂźnden, Switzerland, 2014, P.56 Figure 19 Gregoric, T.: Alpine Hut, ofis-a.si, Stara Fuzina, Slovenia, 2008 Figure 20 Labib, Z.: Arau, Switzerland Figure 21 Ballenberg, Switzerland, 2015.

Figure 22 Labib, Z.: Bosco Gurin, Switzerland, 2015 Figure 23 Binet, H.: Peter Zumthor - Therme Vals, Scheidegger & Spiess, Vals,Switzerland, 2005, P. 46 Figure 24-25 Herman H.: Space and the Architect: Lessons in Architecture 2, 010 Publishers, Texas USA, P. 201 Figure 26 Beim, A.: Towards an Ecology of Tectonics: The Need for Rethinking Construction in Architecture, Edition Axel Menges, Stockholm, Sweden, 2015, P. 187 Figure 27 Labib, Z,: Revit Architecture Rendering, Photoshop Editing, Autocad. 2015

71

72

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Beim, Anne: Tectonic visions in architecture, Arkitektens Forlag, Copenhagen, 2004 Bundgaard, Charlotte. Bech-Danielsen, Claus. Towards an Ecology of Tectonics: The Need for Rethinking Construction in Architecture. Edition Axel Menges GmbH, 2014 Spurr, David. Architecture and Modern Literature. University of Michigan Press, 2012 Frampton, Kenneth. Cava, John: Studies in Tectonic Culture: The Poetics of Construction in Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Architecture. Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts, Columbia USA, 1995 Kahn, Louis. Bellinelli, Luca: Louis I. Kahn: the construction of the Kimbell Art Museum. Skira, Michigan USA, 1999 Farshad, Nasrollahi: Climate and Energy Responsive Housing in Continental Climates: The Suitability of Passive Houses for Iran‘s Dry and Cold Climate. Univerlagtuberlin, Berlin, 2009 Maulden, Robert: Tectonics in Architecture: From the Physical to the Meta-physical.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Architecture. 1986 Hauser, Sigrid. Zumthor, Peter. Binet, Hélène: Peter Zumthor - Therme Vals. Scheidegger & Spiess, Zurich, Switzerland, 2007

73