TECTONIC EXPRESSION IN CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE: THE USE OF COMPACTED CONCRETE IN PETER ZUMTHOR'S BRUDER KLAUS CHAPEL

Abstract

The present study analyzes the Bruder Klaus Chapel (1998-2007), designed by Peter Zumthor, in the light of the concepts of tectonics, with the objective of investigating how the application of compacted concrete was resignified by the architect, associating construction, phenomenology and poetic expression. Starting from an interdisciplinary approach, anchored in complexity, the study is justified by the need to deepen the understanding of the theme and to explore how Zumthor transcended the functional use of the material, integrating constructive and sensorial characteristics in a remarkable work. To this end, a theoretical review is carried out on the historical trajectory and physical properties of compacted concrete, complemented by a detailed case study of the Bruder Klaus Chapel. Technical aspects, such as the artisanal use of layers of compacted concrete, and phenomenological aspects, such as the manipulation of light and materiality to create a unique atmosphere, are analyzed. The results show Zumthor's ability to transform compacted concrete into an expressive resource, capable of creating deep sensory experiences. The relationship between texture, light, and spatiality not only evokes memories and emotions, but also demonstrates how traditional methods can be reinterpreted to respond to current demands, while dialoguing with existential and cultural issues. It is concluded that the Bruder Klaus Chapel represents an intersection between technique and poetics, reaffirming the relevance of tectonics as a means of alternative architectural expression for contemporary design processes. The study contributes to the revaluation of ancestral methods and proposes paths for the dialogue between architecture and phenomenology, suggesting that Zumthor's legacy offers promising perspectives for architectural practice, by valuing essential qualities of construction and promoting a discourse that goes beyond the local and reaches the universal.