Elbphilharmonie Turns Ten: Herzog & de Meuron Reflect on Vision and Urban Challenges

In an interview marking the tenth anniversary of the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron discuss the project's impact, the role of vision in architecture, and the challenges facing contemporary cities. The conversation, published by Neue Zürcher Zeitung, touches on themes of religion, their architectural philosophy, and urban problems. Herzog and de Meuron emphasize that a different design would not have achieved the same success, highlighting the importance of bold, visionary approaches. They also reflect on the difficulties of realizing such visions, particularly in Switzerland, where they note that 'visions are difficult.' The interview provides insight into their creative process and the broader implications of their work for urban development.