Created for a 2000 Swiss Exhibition, Peter Zumthor designed the Swiss Sound Box Pavillion to create a design that would really stimulate the senses of those who visited. The main element of the building, and why it was called the sound box, is it is designed for sounds to reverberate around the building. The building is also very porous to allow for outside sights, sounds and smells to enter the building, so you are truly surrounded by something that stimulates the senses on all sides. The building is made from wood and is does not have a very elaborate structure, but it is definitely something interesting to look at. It is very apparent how Zumthor was able to actualize his goal of stimulating the senses with limited space of operation.

Viettel Headquarters is another cool building that was designed by PTW architects. Most of the building is made out of glass walls and has a light color scheme throughout the rooms which gives a brighter and more open environment. I think it is interesting how its interior design is composed of lines and circles which seems simple but positioned in a unique way. I also think adding the various indoor plants inside the office gives the illusion of working outside in an open space rather than a typical office building that is crammed with cubicles. I think this open/bright environment gives a positive and creative influence on its employees. Although the building has many positive aspects, having too many glass walls can also be a negative thing. The glass walls can easily lead to distraction for workers as they can see activity around them. I also think having too many glass walls will make the building too bright inside work environments. This building is uniquely structured, and I think it brings a different and cool approach to the working environment.

Brother Klaus Field Chapel was designed by Peter Zumthor in Germany in 2007. The Chapel sits alone in a large, flat field, and seems to reach high in the sky compared to it’s surroundings. The building was constructed from 112 tree trunks to create a large wooden prism. The roof is made from molten lead, and looks great in contrast with the wood walls. Looking up towards the cieling from the inside gives you a great vision of how high up the chapel reaches, along with seeing the great design of the cieling. The cieling is partially open, so it is penetrated by both light and rain, which combines with the wooden walls to create a very natural feeling. The entrance for the building is a triangle, which adds more unique flare to this chapel. Zumthor really outdid himself by creating a building that remained in touch with nature will still creating an innovative design.

Built in 1988 in Switzerland, Saint Benedict Chapel is a very unique baroque style chapel. The chapel is shaped like a boat, and rises above it’s surroundings. It is also flanked by a giant chapel bell, which makes the building stand out. The true beauty of the building is the inside, which is cylinder shaped due to the shape of the outer wall. The inside is lined with wooden shingles that spiral up the cylinder up to an amazing cieling. In between the shingles are vertical windows which allow the room to be flooded with light, and create an interesting design because of the positioning of the windows and shingles. Zumthor’s design is simple yet unique and visually pleasing. It is definitely one of the more interesting chapels I have seen.