The Vitra Campus in Germany is one of the world’s largest and most innovative centers for architecture and design. Among its iconic buildings designed by renowned architects is the Blockhaus, a small structure designed by German artist Thomas Schütte in 2018. Unlike the buildings by traditional architects on the campus, the Blockhaus stands out as an antipodal form, bringing an intriguing contrast between art and architecture.
The Uniqueness of Blockhaus
⦁ Authentic materiality: Made from untreated Nordic pine, the Blockhaus will change color over time, taking on a greyish tone, and reflecting the passing of time.
⦁ Imposing roof: Covered with titanium-zinc tiles, its metallic sheen contrasts sharply with the rusticity of the wooden log structure.
⦁ Welcoming function: A place of refuge, with simple wooden benches and a central clay fountain providing visitors with fresh water.
The project was born from a 1:10 scale model exhibited at the Galerie Konrad Fischer in Düsseldorf, in 2016. The proposal caught the attention of Rolf Fehlbaum, Vitra’s emeritus president, who invited Thomas Schütte to bring his work to life on a full scale at the Vitra Campus.
Thomas Schütte: Art, Architecture and Sculpture
Thomas Schütte is one of the most important names in German contemporary art. Born in 1954, he studied at the Düsseldorf Academy of Arts, where he studied with Gerhard Richter. Throughout his career, he has explored different scales and materials, creating sculptures and installations that question the relationship between space, form, and function.
Among his best-known works are:
⦁ United Enemies (1993-2011) – Sculptures of human figures in tension.
⦁ One-Man Houses – Small architectural structures exploring the relationship between shelter and sculpture.
⦁ Blockhaus (2018) – The integration of art, architecture, and experience at the Vitra Campus.
Blockhaus in the Context of the Vitra Campus
The Vitra Campus is an open-air museum, that brings together works by architects and artists such as Zaha Hadid, Tadao Ando, SANAA, and Carsten Höller. The Blockhaus joins other iconic artistic interventions on the campus, including:
⦁ Slide Tower, by Carsten Höller (2014) – An observation tower with a slide.
⦁ Promenade by Álvaro Siza – A trail that connects different points of the campus.
⦁ Balancing Tools, by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen – A monumental sculpture in balance.
The Blockhaus, although it has no defined function, has become a special point of interest for visitors, inviting them to contemplate and relax. Its presence reinforces the dialogue between art and architecture that defines the Vitra Campus.
Thomas Schütte’s Blockhaus is an example of the fusion of art and architecture, creating a space for reflection within the dynamic and innovative Vitra Campus. The work highlights the importance of materiality and time in the transformation of spaces, reaffirming Vitra’s commitment to the forefront of global design and architecture.
