by Debra Moffitt

Creating an edifice draws on an almost mystical process of imagining and materializing something from nothing, of developing original thought forms and manifesting them in the physical environment. Swiss-born Mario Botta provides a unique perspective on this creative process. He is best known in the United States for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and is considered one of the world's foremost architects for churches and museums.

He uses the language of space, light, and geometry to communicate with his audience and create what the Royal Academy of London refers to as "spaces of poetry."

In a recent interview, Botta fingered his wire-frame glasses and threw his leg over the chair arm in his Lugano, Switzerland studio while speaking passionately about his work and the ground breaking for his museum in Charlotte, North Carolina, scheduled for late 2006. The museum will house the Bechtler art collection in a space that seems timeless, with strong geometric forms bathed in natural light.   >>>

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San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (1989-1995) by Mario Botta. Photo: Pino Musi Swiss architect Mario Botta. Photo: Beat Pfändler   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.