Fotostudio Frei by Herzog & de Meuron. History of a House

Description

A new exhibition at the Museum im Bellpark sheds light on an exciting early work by Herzog & de Meuron — the Fotostudio Frei in Weil am Rhein, built in the early 80s for advertising photographer Rolf Frei. It is considered a key project in architectural history, but gradually fell into obscurity and narrowly escaped demolition. The first commercial building by the internationally acclaimed office shows essential features of their later approach: precise use of simple materials, careful lighting, and adaptable spatial structure. Roof felt and wood dominate the facades — the urban coexistence of different materials is reflected here. With the transformation by the architecture firm studio ne from Basel, led by Florian Stroh (2023-2025), the history has been comprehensively revisited for the first time. The exhibition, created in collaboration with Stroh, now shows the development, uses, threats, and architectural transformation of the house. Photographs, plans, sketches, and archival material form the narrative layer. Many original documents, such as hand-drawn sketches and execution plans, could be borrowed from Herzog & de Meuron's archive. These are complemented by documents from Rolf Frei, studio ne, the Weil am Rhein city archive, and other lenders. The diversity of photographic perspectives featured in the exhibition is particularly significant: the documentation by Rolf Frei (construction phase/completion), the architects themselves, photographs by the renowned photographer Margherita Spiluttini, the documentary accompaniment of the transformation by Florian Stroh, and the comprehensive appreciation of the Japanese photographer Daisuke Hirabayashi after the completion of the works. The publication "Fotostudio Frei" by Park Books, edited by Florian Stroh, accompanies the exhibition. Newly published images from archives and new photographs are condensed into a multi-layered visual sequence. This is accompanied by a conversation between Jacques Herzog, Rolf Fehlbaum, and Niklas Maak about the creation, present, and continued life of a building after its original purpose has been abandoned. A collaboration with Florian Stroh from studio ne in Basel.

Highlights

• Exhibition about Fotostudio Frei by Herzog & de Meuron
• Original documents and photographs from various perspectives
• Transformation of the house by studio ne

General Information

The exhibition at the Museum im Bellpark highlights the history of Fotostudio Frei, a key project in architectural history. It shows the development, use, and transformation of the building through various materials and perspectives.

Location

Luzernerstrasse 21, 6010 Kriens, Switzerland

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