Performative Architecture

An in-depth examination of the concept of performance in an architectural context

The term performance, as used in 1955 by the British philosopher of language John L. Austin, refers to processual, performative aspects that take center-stage instead of rigid states and fixed norms. It has found its way into the most diverse areas of science and technology and has recently also appeared in the architectural context. Performance has long been a recurring topic also in the design and research work of Zurich-based architecture firm Edelaar Mosayebi Inderbitzin (EMI). This is particularly visible in the award-winning design for a tourist infrastructure on the eastern ridge of the Jungfrau in the Swiss Alps (2012), in the temporary installation Anthropomorphic Form for the Swiss Art Awards (2019), and in the residential building on Stampfenbachstrasse in Zurich (2022).

Their own work is a catalyst for EMI's deeper engagement with performance, now set forth in this book. Texts by the firm's founding partner Elli Mosayebi and by Joseph Schwartz, Laurent Stalder, and Nina Zschocke, all of whom also teach at ETH Zürich's Department of Architecture, as well as artistic and documentary photographs, plans, and drawings, illuminate the phenomenon from the different perspectives of architectural practice, theory of architecture, and structural engineering.

• The phenomenon of performance is highly topical yet has only rarely been discussed and published about in an architectural context
• Zurich-based Edelaar Mosayebi Inderbitzin Architects have been deeply engaged with performance in architecture in their research, teaching, and practice for many years
• The book approaches the topic from three different perspectives: practice of architecture, architectural theory, and structural engineering

Auteur

Edelaar Mosayebi Inderbitzin Architects, founded in Zurich in 2005 by Ron Edelaar, Elli Mosayebi, and Christian Inderbitzin, have gained international recognition for their outstanding building and urban designs, exhibitions, and publications.

Elli Mosayebi is a founding partner with Edelaar Mosayebi Inderbitzin Architects and a professor of architecture and design at ETH Zürich's Department of Architecture.

Joseph Schwartz runs his own structural engineering firm in Zug, Switzerland. He also taught as professor of structural design at ETH Zürich's Department of Architecture, 2008-23.

Laurent Stalder is a professor of theory of architecture at ETH Zürich's Institute for History and Theory of Architecture (gta).

Nina Zschocke is a research assistant and lecturer at ETH Zürich's Institute for History and Theory of Architecture (gta).

Texte du rabat

The term "performance," as used in 1955 by the British philosopher of language John L. Austin, refers to processual, "performative" aspects that take center-stage instead of rigid states and fixed norms. It has found its way into the most diverse areas of science and technology and has recently also appeared in the architectural context. Performance has long been a recurring topic also in the design and research work of Zurich-based architecture firm Edelaar Mosayebi Inderbitzin (EMI). This is particularly visible in the award-winning design for a tourist infrastructure on the eastern ridge of the Jungfrau in the Swiss Alps (2012), in the temporary installation Anthropomorphic Form for the Swiss Art Awards (2019), and in the residential building on Stampfenbachstrasse in Zurich (2022).

Their own work is a catalyst for EMI's deeper engagement with performance, now set forth in this book. Texts by the firm's founding partner Elli Mosayebi and by Joseph Schwartz, Laurent Stalder, and Nina Zschocke, all of whom also teach at ETH Zürich's Department of Architecture, as well as artistic and documentary photographs, plans, and drawings, illuminate the phenomenon from the different perspectives of architectural practice, theory of architecture, and structural engineering.

Résumé
An in-depth examination of the concept of performance in an architectural context