CAPLUTTA SOGN BENEDETG

Rewind fifteen years, when I was still fresh-faced and figuring out what solid and void meant at architecture school, I became enthusiastic with the work of various past and current hero figures in the architectural world – in particular, Peter Zumthor's fundamentals appealed to me: craftsmanship, honoring local natural materials and diffusing natural light to influence the atmosphere of space. Towards the tail end of my studies, his approach became more relevant than ever, which led to a spontaneous snowy trip during my semester break to encounter his work first-hand.

My father gave me a Nikon digital camera for a two-month backpacking trip in Southeast Asia in 2008. I could hone my photography skills as I had the freedom to practice and endless subjects to capture. In Switzerland a year later, I wasn't without my camera.

I recorded my experience through the usual artistic mediums akin to an architecture student on the road: descriptive texts, sketches, rubbings, and photographs.

I photographed Caplutta Sogn Benedetg, Shelter for Roman Ruins, Peter Zumthor Atelier, Home for Senior Citizens, Gugalun House, and Therme Vals in a 48-hour whirlwind tour. The action of photographing was good fun, though reviewing the images when I arrived back home became immediately apparent that it had profoundly affected me. The sequence of atmospheric photographs recounted the story of my architectural experience. Subsequently, I could also share this experience effortlessly with others through photography.

I transitioned from practicing as an architect to an architectural photographer a decade later. These images remain significant to me and greatly influenced my path as a creative, leading me to where I am today. It was an exciting moment. I was training to be an architect and discovering the art of photography. I owe this fortuitous career journey to Peter Zumthor's inspiring work and Dad for putting a camera in my hand.

Equipment: Nikon D60, Handheld.