Ozge Ustundag
Google
The Vitra Campus is an incredibly impressive site, showcasing works by some of the most renowned architects in the world. It stands as a testament to innovative design and its contributions to the architectural and design community are truly significant. From the sculptural forms of Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid to the refined craftsmanship of Herzog & de Meuron and the serene simplicity of Tadao Ando, the campus offers a diverse and inspiring journey through contemporary architecture. Its role in fostering a global appreciation for design is undeniable, making it a must-visit destination for architecture enthusiasts.
That said, my experience with the architecture tour had some shortcomings:
In Tadao Ando's building, we couldn’t access the conference area or the rooftop terrace because the guide said they didn’t have the key. Apparently, it’s sometimes available and sometimes not, but this explanation was unsatisfactory. Additionally, the guide didn’t point out the leaf-patterned concrete detail in this building. Later research revealed its existence, and not seeing it was disappointing.
For many structures, we could only view them from the outside. For example, remarks like “You can peek inside through the glass windows of X building” left me feeling unsatisfied with the tour.
We were able to enter SANAA’s warehouse building, which was a nice experience despite photography being prohibited inside. Unfortunately, we couldn’t access Grimshaw’s buildings.
Zaha Hadid’s Fire Station was part of the tour, and it was truly impressive. However, Renzo Piano’s structure wasn’t even mentioned.
Even though the tour is limited to two hours, I believe it should at least provide an overview of all the buildings on the campus so visitors can explore further on their own afterward. Preferably, necessary measures should be taken to unlock certain areas for a more comprehensive experience.