ARTS & CRAFTS
TRADITION MEETS INNOVATION
NEW OUT OF OLD British architect Lord Norman Foster’s designs have shaped the skyline of many world cities. His latest project is the renovation of the historic Kulm Eispavillon in St. Moritz. In this exclusive interview, Norman Foster speaks about the newly opened hot spot.
ince 1988, the legenda ry Eispavillon of the Kulm Hotel had been left slumbering like Sleeping Beauty, until star ar chitect Lord Norman Foster breathed new life into it just in time for the start of the 2017 World Ski Championships. Built in 1905, this historic place was used as a central meeting point in the 1928 and 1948 Olympics. Now completely renovated and extended, it has be come the gleaming new “in” location, attrac ting locals, holiday guests and athletes. Lord Foster, could you please tell us about the main goals of the reconstruction? Lord Norman Foster: The main aims of the project were fourfold – firstly, to restore and revitalise the existing Eispavillon with the ice skating rink as the focus. Secondly, to expand the historic building’s capacity by introducing a new multipurpose pavilion for activities through out the year. To provide a new destination for visitors and residents of the Engadin valley, reinstating the historical spirit of the place – a celebration of skating, sport and sun. And
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“IT IS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO WORK IN ST. MORITZ – A PLACE I AM PRIVILEGED TO CALL HOME.”
finally, to bring together historical memora bilia and incorporate it throughout as a museum of the place. What functions does the new Kulm Pavillon feature? The refurbished structure contains a new club restaurant and sun terrace for visi tors and the local Engadin community to enjoy on the upper level. The diners will be surrounded by bobsleighs, sledges, skis, pho tos and other artefacts. They will also enjoy great views of the mountains through the ori ginal wooden frames. Facilities for skating and curling equipment hire can be incorporated in the future, and a bar is located on the lower le vel. Alongside the old Eispavillon, a new mul tipurpose pavilion has been designed in the spirit of a mini-stadium. The new extension is set to be the focus of the annual calendar of sporting and cultural events, as well as music festivals and shows of classic cars. Could you define your design approach to the Kulm Pavillon? We wanted to marry the old and the new such that the existing building and the new pavilions work together to form a new
Lord Norman Foster, architect
Photos: Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, Nigel Young/Foster + Partners (2)
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New lease of life: the renovation of the legendary Eispavillon was completed right on time for the 2017 World Ski Championships in St. Moritz. Special highlight: the new roofed grandstand that seats up to 200 spectators.
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