The Swiss architect Livio Vacchini has died

Livio Vacchini was among the most significant architects of the so-called “Ticino School” of the 1970s. Together with Aurelio Galfetti, Mario Botta, and Luigi Snozzi, they formed the group "Tendenza," named after their Zurich exhibition in 1975. These architects drew largely from three sources: firstly, they developed a repertoire of forms from classical modernism, especially that of Le Corbusier. Secondly, they adopted Aldo Rossi's school methodology of "reading the place," and thirdly, they tapped into local building traditions in their native canton. Some of the first examples of regionalist architecture emerged here, aiming to be more than mere folklore. Over time, all four mentioned architects found their own position and handwriting. Vacchini's work evolved towards uncompromising severity and modern classicism, characterized by "constructed architectural treatises," as seen in the main post office building in Locarno. In the same city, he culminated his life's work with the realization of the La Ferrriera office building, which demonstrated his affinity for ancient antiquity. Livio Vacchini passed away in a Basel hospital on April 2, 2007, after a long illness. Link>