Tom Kundig Reveals the Design Philosophy Behind His Cowboy Hat, Jeep, and Pencil

3 hours ago7 min read1 comments

In a revealing look into the mind of a master architect, Tom Kundig, founder and principal of Olson Kundig, shares the personal objects that shape his iconic design ethos. This is more than an inventory; it's a window into the principles behind his rugged, kinetic architecture that seems sculpted by wind and weather.His cowboy hat, for example, is presented not as mere apparel but as functional, personal shelter—a symbol of a design sensibility born from the expansive landscapes of the American West, which directly inspires the powerful, industrial poetry of his structures. The Jeep Wrangler is highlighted as a manifestation of the movement and adaptability central to his work, mirroring the famous 'gizmos' that allow his buildings to dynamically engage with their environment.It's the essential vehicle for reaching remote sites, embodying a hands-on, practical approach that counters the digital abstraction prevalent in modern design. The humble pencil stands as a testament to the enduring power of the physical sketch—the initial, tangible connection between idea and execution that precedes any digital model.A seal sculpture represents a deeper, tactile connection to materiality and form, echoing the raw steel and reclaimed wood that give his interiors their soul. To see Kundig through these objects is to understand that his architecture is a lived practice—a continuous conversation between the human hand, a tool, and the untamed beauty of nature.This philosophy aligns him with a lineage of maker-craftsmen, asserting that the most profound designs are born not from a sterile screen, but from a life lived in direct, physical engagement with the world. It's a compelling argument for authenticity and material intelligence in contemporary design.

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