Studio Lukas Raeber is an architectural office based in Basel, with a focus on architecture, urban planning and object design. The studio develops innovative and sustainable architectural projects for private and public clients and institutions. Services provided range from consultation, elaboration of projects at all stages, concept and design through to the realisation of building proposals.
Philosophy and Working Methods
At the beginning of the design process we concentrate intensively on the brief and the existing context. Initial conceptual sketches are made. By continually verifying the client’s expectations, while equally interrogating the given site and societal surroundings and carefully checking our ideas, we develop a proposal that specifically relates to that place.
For each commission we use references to examine the status quo and existing standards. We challenge the present structures and develop something new from that starting point. In the process we try to create added value through an innovative method of dealing with regulations and limitations. We believe that restrictions can offer fertile ground for architecture and can lead to buildings with individual character. The ‘Haus in Riehen – Constructive Contrasts’ is exemplary of this approach; it won the Arc Award for a first building and the Best Architects Award in Gold, amongst other accolades.
Another important factor is how we deal with economies of finance and available resources. This influences design and building implementation in our studio and leads to the creation of sustainable architecture. An important element of this work is our understanding of how to unite structure and materials in a project. With construction measures we can thus create added value through generous spaces, as was demonstrated in the ‘Drahtzug (Wire Cable) – Roof on Two Beams’ rooftop extension project. Special consideration is given to the authentic application of local materials in the process. Through constructive design new spaces and structures are discovered, allowing us to break away from familiar spatial dimensions and layouts.
Team since 2017
Flavio Thommen
Cyrill Kaderli
Luisa Overath
Gonçalo Duarte Pita
Lukas Raeber
During and after his studies at the ETH in Zurich, Lukas Raeber (b. 1984) worked both in Switzerland and abroad for, among others, Frank Gehry in Los Angeles and Diller Scofidio + Renfro in New York. He taught at Professor Marc Angélil’s chair, the Institute for Urban Design, at the ETH Zurich from 2009 until the founding of the Reuter Raeber studio in 2012. Since 2017 he has pursued his practice as Studio Lukas Raeber.
