Crafting Harmony: Anna Gamper’s Perspective on Architecture in Balance

Architecture is more than creating buildings—it’s about working in harmony with the environment and respecting cultural heritage. Anna Gamper, in her presentation at BIG Architecture, shared the philosophy of Architekturbüro Gamper, a studio blending tradition, sustainability, and modern design to craft meaningful spaces.

Anna first introduced Kessler’s Mountain Lodge, a BIG SEE award-winning project that exemplifies the studio’s commitment to thoughtful and sustainable design. The transformation of a humble youth hostel into an exclusive retreat highlights their dedication to using locally sourced materials and creating structures that reflect and enhance their natural surroundings.

Kessler’s Mountain Lodge, BIG SEE Architecture Award 2024 Winner

For Architekturbüro Gamper, architecture begins with understanding the area’s cultural and natural context. The studio draws inspiration from the natural forms of the Dolomites and reinterprets traditional materials in innovative ways, ensuring their designs integrate seamlessly with their surroundings.

Balancing tradition and modernity is a central idea of their work. Anna explained that it’s not about erasing the past but building upon it, highlighting how their projects preserve historical authenticity while adapting spaces to contemporary needs. This approach celebrates heritage while creating opportunities for innovation.

“The most important thing in architecture is respecting the area we are living in and transforming it in harmony” – Anna Gamber

The studio’s principles—respectfulness, clarity, and authenticity—guide every project. By aligning their designs with the natural landscape and cultural identity of the region, Architekturbüro Gamper creates architecture that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. Their work prioritizes harmony over imposition, offering spaces that complement rather than disrupt their surroundings.

Through this philosophy of harmony, the BIG SEE award-winning Architekturbüro Gamper demonstrates how architecture can go beyond functionality to create enduring connections between people, history, and nature.