Valerio Olgiati’s Architecture as Reflected in His Own Design Theory

Text: Bendegúz Zacher

The comprehensive thoroughness featuring the book titled Non-Referential Architecture by Valerio Olgiati is a rarity in the genre of contemporary design theoretical discourses. The standards of the text, as well as the typography, layout, the physical qualities of the hard-cover book also support the contents. One title, two authors: a writer, Marcus Breitschmid and Valerio Olgiati, the source inspiration. Every single appearances they made in publication together in the past 10-12 years may be regarded as a prelude to this volume. The article below surveys the architectural theory developed by Valerio Olgiati, followed by a comparison of this theory with his own architectural practice.