Mario Botta. Architecture and Memory

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Charlotte (North Carolina) opened its doors to the public in January 2010 and is one of the most inspired and inspiring spaces in town. Designed by the eminent Swiss architect Mario Botta (Mendrisio, 1943) the museum’s architecture displays a sculptural power that connects to the dynamic art inside it. The Museums now pays homage to his designer and hosts a monographic exhibition on this Swiss master architect, who is world renowned for his minimalist style and use of traditional materials such as brick and stone. His buildings respect topographical conditions, regional factors and building materials. A monographic and richly illustrated catalogue is published on this occasion; it concentrates on four themes out of a wide range of Mario Botta’s activity and realized work: the libraries, the museums, the theaters and the sacred buildings. Themes, that express in their particular way the idea of “spaces of memory”. The book also includes essays, among which a chapter entitled “encounters” on a selection of works and artists that have influenced Botta’s thoughts in a fundamental way and that the architect feels indebted to, a biography, a list of works, a list of personal and group exhibitions and a monographic bibliography.