frank gehry at the vitra design museum

After a fire burned down half of the Vitra campus, they hired a number of budding architects to help rebuild, including one Frank Gehry. Gehry designed the museum as well as entrances to the factories and the gatehouse, completed in 1989. These structures were not only his first European buildings but also his first use of the curving, almost nonsensical structures that would turn into his signature style and starchitect status.

One thing I love about Gehry's buildings is that they are different through all 360 degrees. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A peek over the fence at an entrance to the factory:

And here's the gatehouse:

 

 

vitrahaus by herzog & de meuron

Located at the Vitra Design Museum and serving as the flagship for the campus, the Vitrahaus designed by Herzog & de Meuron is a worthy entry to the impressive facility. You buy your tickets, you get lunch or a snack, you tour Vitra products, you visit the museum store, and you experience the unique spaces of stacked gabled structures.

One might question the design choice, haphazardly stacking what amounts to a dozen or so shotgun shacks, but it was a brilliant decision. Since the spaces are intended as showrooms for Vitra's impressive assembly of Modern homewares and furniture, the stacking creates a number of human- and home-scaled rooms to display the goods and a way to frame the gorgeous views of the countryside and grounds from a variety of directions.

IF YOU VISIT: You can wander the grounds and visit the showrooms, gift stores, and cafes for free. Entry fees are required to access the three museums.