Studio Gugger | Exposé

A constant beginning

Aren’t we all constant beginners advancing in life?

We find this view liberating and we believe that this unbiased perspective deserves to be celebrated and should not be obscured nor by experience and routine nor by ideology.

Doesn’t this view speak of a Dilettante’s approach?

As admirers of art and science we cultivate our knowledge out of inherent interest with passion and pleasure. We deliberately attain the necessary openness that allows us to abandon the architect’s traditional role as the author of an architectural project, in favour of a multiple authorship of architect, client and the adequate specialists.

How reliable are admirers?

Professional in our organization and precise in our work method we cultivate a sense of impartiality in order to grasp the unique character of each project. This approach leads to an extensive examination of all given conditions and a lively dialogue with the client and the engaged consultants.

What is the power of conversation?

The dialogue serves to find the optimal interlacing between conditions given by the site, client requests, programme specificities and building technology. Thereby, we aim at creating a readable, emblematic, functional and enduring architecture that benefits the community and the environment alike.

Who we are

Harry Gugger established Studio Gugger in 2010 in order to create closer ties between his academic work and practice. He aimed at creating an environment that fathoms synergies from his two decades of partnership at Herzog & de Meuron and the research work of his chair ‘Laboratoire Bâle’ at the Swiss Federal Technical Institute in Lausanne (EPFL). In doing so, distinct interrogations of science, engineering, environment, society and art should find vigilant responses.

Already within its first years of practice, the Studio, based in Basel, successfully designed and executed work in Switzerland, Canada the Middle East and Central America. Projects range in scale and functions, from urban schemes and civic buildings, to private houses, exhibitions and furniture. Particular emphasis is placed on the singularity of each project, aiming at exploring its distinct potential, in close collaboration between Studio Gugger, clients, users and corresponding consultants.

We are a tightly organised, highly skilled international team with a wealth of experience and an exemplary portfolio of realised projects. We combine an innate Swiss precision with a broader international outlook to create unique and robust architectural solutions that blend these contrasting perspectives. We draw upon our worldwide network of specialist consultants, scientists and artists to amplify the knowledge base of our in-house teams. We activate this network in a project- and phase-specific manner, in order to develop fully integrated projects that respond to the given demands in the best way possible.

Studio Gugger, a cooperative

In 2025, the Studio Gugger employees' cooperative takes over the shares of the previous co-owners, Henriette and Harry Gugger, to lead the company into the future under the name Studio Gugger AG. This contemporary solution with a diverse and broadly based ownership structure guarantees the future development of Studio Gugger AG with younger employees taking on responsibility and management tasks. The employees' cooperative creates a solid foundation for an open and continuous generational change, in which our company can continue to develop while carrying its established values into the future.

What we do

We wish to develop a shared ambition

Together with our clients we share the ambition to uncover the core of each project and produce distinct, intriguing and considered architecture in an open, holistic and cost-conscious manner. Whether we are working on urban design schemes, an individual building, interior space or a single piece of furniture this ‘shared ambition’ is the touchstone that we always refer to in developing the design.

We cultivate collaboration and research

Our collaborative, analytical approach to work is pioneering. We define the needs of each project by thoroughly exploring the brief, the context and the demands of all stakeholders. We then firmly pursue these demands from conception to completion. Our inclusive methodology consolidates knowledge from multiple disciplines so that we can accommodate the diverse interests of our clients, social welfare, public space and the environment in our designs. This way we generate added value for all stakeholders.

We deliver bespoke design

We do not cultivate a personal style or pursue formal preferences in our designs. Our approach ensures the development of an elaborate and distinctive architecture that successfully embraces and serves social, economical and ecological demands.

Awards

2025 – Design Educates Awards

The HIAG Kunzareal residential building receives a special award at the 7th edition of the Design Educates Awards.

2025 – best architects 2026

The Hirtenweg residential complex, the Kunzareal residential building and the Medisuisse headquarters win the best architects award 26

2024 - Innovationspreis Holz

The Project Siedlung Hirtenweg was awarded with the 1st prize
Innovationspreis Holz

2023 - Gutes Bauen

Silo Erlenmatt and Siedlung Hirtenweg are awarded with the "Gutes Bauen" award by Basel Stadt and Basel Land

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2023 - Bautenprämierung

Siedlung Hirtenweg is awarded by the Basler Heimatshutz with the "Bautenprämierung"

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2023 - Prix AMO

Silo Erlenmatt is awarded with the "Prix AMO"

2023 - International Prize for Sustainable Architecture

Hirtenweg was awarded with the Gold Medal at the International Prize for Sustainable Architecture

2021 - Building Award

Silo Erlenmatt wins the Building Award in the civil engineering category

2021 - Baffa Rivolta European Architecture Award

Hirtenweg was awarded with the honorable mention by the jury of Baffa Rivolta European Architecture Award

2021 - Beton 21

Silo Erlenmatt is awarded at the Beton 21 organized by Beton Suisse

2020 - best architects 21

Silo Erlenmatt in Basel wins the best architects 21

2019 - Heritage Awards of the city of Vancouver

Ehrenauszeichnung, award of honour for The Exchange

2018 - International Highrise Award

International Highrise Award nominee for 'The Exchange'

2013 - The Most Beautiful Swiss Books 2012

Laba’s recent publication Barents Lessons as one of the(link: https://www.themostbeautifulswissbooks.ch text: 'Most Beautiful Swiss Books 2012' target: _blank, by the Swiss Federal Office of Culture (BAK)

2010 - Golden Lion, XII Venice Architecture Biennale

Golden Lion of theXII Venice Architecture Biennale for the National Pavilion of Bahrain

2009 - Premio de Urbanismo y Construcción de la Ciudad

CaixaForum-Madrid receives the "Premio de Urbanismo y Construcción de la Ciudad" of X Bienal de Arquitectura Española, ES

2004 - The Prix Meret Oppenheim Award

Harry Gugger is awarded the Prix Meret Oppenheim, Office Fédéral de la Culture, CH

2003 - RIBA Stirling Prize

Laban Dance Center, London, UK wins RIBA Stirling Prize

1999 - Brandenburgischer Architekturpreis

Brandenburgischer Architekturpreis 1999, Land Brandenburg/D for the Library Technical School Eberswalde, DE

1999 - Rolf Schock Prize for the Visual Arts

Rolf Schock Prize for the Visual Arts, Stockholm

1996 - Construtec Prize

Construtec Prize for the Signal Box in Basel, European Prize for Industrial Architecture, Hannover, DE

1996 - Max Beckmann Award

Frankfurt a. M., DE

1996 - Brunel Award 1995

Washington DC for the Railway Engine Depot Auf dem Wolf in Basel, US

1995 - Brunel Award 1994

Washington DC for the Signal Box in Basel, US

2017 - American Architecture Prize

American Architecture Prize Design of the Year 2017 in the category of Heritage Architecture for 'The Exchange'

Press

02.10.2025, «Hotel Awards 2025: the world's 30 best hotels», National Geographic