Projects and Visions
“My interest in discovering, searching and understanding leads to my passion to apply, test and communicate the insights. So, I develop sustainable concepts in architecture and settlement development, that seem important to me.
In architecture, they are experimental prototypes made of earth, bamboo, stone, wood and lime.
In teaching, they are training models and their application, for example in workshops.
The mediation accompanies me through my life.
It is important to me to show backgrounds. That is why I have organized discussion groups, lecture series or study tours in various organizations, such as the Schweizerischer Werkbund, the Kunstgesellschaft and the Architekturforum.
My involvement as a professor of architecture inspires young people to be interested, curious and active in environmental, economic and social projects. I have learned to deal with uncertainties and – if possible and meaningful – to transform them into clarity.
Practice and teaching in the fields of architecture, design and planning have led me to India, where I have worked for twenty years. Again, and again I come across something unexpected and surprising. To react flexibly and to go forward with perseverance is the prerequisite for success.
A built example is a resort project in the Indian state of Kerala. This includes all supportive strategies: from the master plan, the architectural typologies, the landscape, water, lighting and materialization concept to the design of a furnishing, design and fabrication of textiles. The key was to use local materials and work together with the local craftsmen. This also motivated me to define a training concept for them.
The IN:CH Academy
This institution has been my main interest lately. It is a sophisticated, contemporary and practice-oriented training system with an architectural, a civil engineering and a urban design study. At the same time, there are training courses for construction professionals on the same campus – with the possibility of holding joint workshops.
Lifelong learning is ensured through continuing education courses. The offer is supported by the participation of international schools and institutions. The training strategy of the IN:CH Academy includes the permeability of the Swiss Training model and the immense demand in India. The IN:CH platform is an example of combining cultures and competences, especially from India and Switzerland, into a third culture.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
Architectural studies, training in design, coaching and communication.
Independency
Project management in international offices, Atelier 5 and ARB. Since 1984 self-employed in architecture, ‘Haefliger Grunder von Allmen’, ‘Juerg Grunder Architekten’ Bern Switzerland and Partner ‘IN: CH architects and planners pvt ltd’ Bangalore India.
Lectureship
1991 to 2014 Lectureship Professor of Architecture Bern University of Applied Sciences Switzerland.
Cultural stays and international cooperation with faculties in USA, Europe and Asia.
Lines and memberships
Worked in juries of architectural and art competitions, board work in art society, architecture and design forums, management of future workshops and international study trips and workshops.
Commitment in India
2002-03 Sabbatical. Cooperation and network building for Indian architecture faculties.
Invitation from Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi (Pritzker Award Winner 2018) to Ahmedabad.
2005 Head of the transcultural platform for sustainability in India under the label IN:CH.
Development and confirmation
2010 Winner of the “Credit Swiss Award for Best Teaching”, development and realization of architectural prototypes and the initiative IN: CH Academy, a new training model for the construction sector in India.
IN: CH Lab
Platform with competence network and sustainable initiatives for future generations. Consulting for architectural projects and coaching at architecture schools.