Volken Kundig is a Swiss-born architect who is a partner at the Seattle-based firm Olson Kundig. He is known for his work in the field of sustainable architecture, and his designs often incorporate natural materials and features.
Kündig was born in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1953. He studied architecture at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, graduating in 1978. After graduating, he worked for a number of architectural firms in Switzerland and the United States, before joining Olson Kundig in 1987.
Kündig has worked on a wide range of projects, including residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. Some of his notable works include:
- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center in Seattle, Washington
- The Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington
- The Weyerhaeuser Center for Innovation in Federal Way, Washington
- The Sun Valley Lodge in Sun Valley, Idaho
Kündig’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the American Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal in 2023. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Royal Institute of British Architects, and the Akademie der Künste in Berlin.
Here is a more detailed look at some of Volken Kundig’s notable works:
- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center is a 40,000-square-foot building that was designed to showcase the work of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The center is located in Seattle, Washington, and was completed in 2013. The building is made of concrete, wood, and glass, and it features a number of sustainable design features, such as a green roof and a rainwater collection system.
- The Museum of Glass is a 50,000-square-foot museum that is dedicated to the art of glass. The museum is located in Tacoma, Washington, and was completed in 2002. The building is made of glass and steel, and it features a number of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the history and process of glassmaking.
- The Weyerhaeuser Center for Innovation is a 100,000-square-foot building that is home to the Weyerhaeuser Company’s research and development operations. The center is located in Federal Way, Washington, and was completed in 2010. The building is made of wood and glass, and it features a number of sustainable design features, such as a green roof and a rainwater collection system.
- The Sun Valley Lodge is a 400-room hotel that is located in Sun Valley, Idaho. The lodge was built in 1936, and it was renovated by Olson Kundig in 2010. The renovation preserved the lodge’s historic character while incorporating a number of modern amenities.
Volken Kundig is a respected architect who is known for his work in the field of sustainable architecture. His designs are often inspired by the natural world, and they incorporate a variety of sustainable design features.