The Architect's Toolkit: Tom Kundig on the Objects That Shape His World

5 hours ago7 min read1 comments

The objects we choose to surround ourselves with are more than mere possessions; they are extensions of our identity and philosophy. For Tom Kundig, the celebrated founder and principal of Olson Kundig, his favorite things offer a profound glimpse into the mind of an architect whose work is revered for its raw, tectonic power.His well-worn cowboy hat is not just an accessory but an emblem of a rugged, individualistic spirit and a deep, abiding connection to the American landscape—a connection that is palpably felt in his structures, which seem to emerge directly from the earth. The Jeep Wrangler he favors is his vessel for exploration, a practical tool for accessing the remote and untamed sites that become the canvas for his architectural interventions, underscoring his commitment to a hands-on, immersive design process.Then there is the simple pencil, a powerful anachronism in our digital age. It represents the primal act of creation—the first, fragile line on a blank page that contains the seed of an entire building.It is a testament to thinking through the hand, a fundamentally human process that no software can truly replicate. A mention of a seal sculpture reveals an affinity for organic forms, for the smooth, resilient shapes and weathered textures of nature that subtly influence the materiality and fluid lines of his designs.In conversation with Kundig, it becomes clear that these are not random selections but curated artifacts of a life lived with purpose. The hat protects him from the elements he masterfully harnesses in his projects.The Jeep navigates the very terrains his buildings will eventually command. The pencil is the vital conduit between abstract inspiration and concrete reality. This is more than a list of favorite things; it is a portrait of the artist told through his tools, a compelling narrative of how our chosen talismans shape our perspective and, in the hands of a master, go on to shape the physical world.

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