Architectural gems in “Switzerland’s Loveliest Buildings 1960 to 1975”

ANOTHER in the series “The Loveliest…” published by Patrimoine Suisse, the Swiss Heritage Society, The Most Beautiful Buildings 1960-1975 highlights both celebrated and lesser-known buildings that are often overlooked precisely because their history is so recent.

Yet their existence bears witness to a period of social, cultural and architectural change that is possibly the most significant in the country’s history: the era when nuclear power stations, super highways, commercial centres, high-rise accommodation and vast lots of individual dwellings first began to dot the Swiss landscape.

From a mountain cabin to a satellite station, from libraries to seniors’ residences, and from churches to concert halls, the publication looks at 50 architectural ‘gems’ representing every Swiss canton.

The 120-page, A6 pocket-sized brochure, available with French and German text, can be purchased in the Swiss Heritage online shop for CHF16 (for the general public) or CHF8 (for members of Patrimoine Suisse).

Note in the online shop there’s also a booklet dedicated to Switzerland’s Loveliest Buildings of the 1950’s (CHF12.– or CHF6.– respectively).

Dedicated website with photos

To accompany publication of the booklet, a dedicated website is available featuring beautiful full-spread, color photographs of the buildings profiled in the brochure along with illuminating background information.

The website and brochure provide a wonderful means to play armchair tourist especially for architecture aficionados.

Photo info: The Musée International d’Horlogerie at La Chaux-de-Fonds was built between 1972 and 1974 by the architects Pierre Zoelly and Georges-Jacques Haefeli who called the subterranean space: “the first European experience of contemporary troglodyte architecture.” It sounds — and looks — positively Star Trek-ian. ♣

You can read more about Switzerland’s historic properties in the Category: Swiss Heritage’s “Loveliest”.

Main photo caption: Musée International d’Horlogerie at La Chaux-de-Fonds. Photo ©Patrimoine Suisse