Vitra Production Hall, Weil am Rhein, Germany

Related person

John P. Schooley Jr. (was created by)

Date

1991-1994

Description

Alvaro Siza's Vitra Factory building and bridge is part of Vitra's large factory complex in Weil-am-Rhein, Germany. The austere exterior facades of the factory building is contrasted with the complex's other buildings which were designed by well-known architects such as Nicholas Grimshaw, Frank O. Gehry, Tadao Ando, and Zaha Hadid. However, Siza contrasts his own factory building with an arched bridge serving the loading dock area: "This exterior austerity [the factory building] is relieved only by an unusual arched bridge, linking the building to Nicholas Grimshaw's earlier metal structure." -- Jodidio, P. (1999) Alvaro Siza. Madrid: Taschen. p. 127 The arched canopy of the bridge is suspended from steel trusses and "may be lowered on four cables to provide protection for the movement of goods in inclement weather." -- Levene, R. C., and Ceilia, F.M. (Eds.). (2000) Alvaro Siza, 1958-2000. Madrid: El Croquis Editorial. p. 220 Keywords: Vitra International Office and Factory Complex, Germany, Weil am Rhein, production building, furniture factory. Submitted by Timothy Crowther, recipient of the 2005 Whitaker Travelling Fellowship.

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