Contact

Our studio, A Matter of Architecture, is located in the heart of Zurich, at the corner of Langstrasse and Militärstrasse, in the Schönegg office building: Schöneggstrasse 5, 8004 Zurich.

Get in touch: contact@a-m-o-a.ch

About

AMOA stands out as a testament to Matter’s mastery of technical skills and creative vision. The project seeks to explore the fundamental nature of architecture and its intersections with other disciplines and can be broken down into five labels: Office, Model, Element, Exhibition, and Image.

AMOA is known for its innovative approach to projects that bridge architecture, design, installation, and performance. AMOA’s contributions to the field of architecture are widely recognized, and his work is highly regarded for its technical expertise and innovative vision. He has established himself as a respected figure in the industry, known for his leadership and commitment to excellence. Through his unique approach to projects, Martin Matter continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in architecture and design, and his work serves as an example for others to follow.

Special thanks

Marc Angélil, Alexander Aschwanden, Sandro Bohnenblust, Severin Boser, Lukas Bosshard, Miguel Castro, Christoph, Oliver und Pedram, Andreas Derrer, Gioia Dal Molin, Sascha Delz, Franziska Dörig, Philippe Egger, Anna Francke, Frieda, Bernhard Gietz, Francesco Girardi, Matthias Hollwich, Isabel und Beat, Jasmin und Stefan, Judith und Rolf, Katja und Pascal, Christoph Kellenberger, Tobias Klauser, Miklos Kündig, Melanie Lang, David Lewis, Valentino Lorenzi, Annina Ludwig, Madleina und Mohy, Marie-Theres Marty, Marion Maisano-Hofstetter, Martina und Guido, Maud und Dominik, Daniel und Emerita Matter, Monika und Ermin Matter, Nadine Müller, Adrian Notz, Markus Ott, Gabrielle Schaad, Shem und Thomas, Silke Seidel, Silvia, Deane Simpson, Zoran Spehar, Aaron Tan, Ramon Walther, Adrien Weber, Peter Wempe, Ramon Wespe, Adrian Wiedmer, Hans-Rudolf Wiedmer, Marco Zaccaria, Balduin Zink, Akay Zorlu

Imprint

Concept:	Martin Matter, Martin Stoecklin, Melina Wilson
Art direction:	Stoecklin & Wilson
Programming:	Fabian Voegeli
Texts:	ChatGPT prompted by Martin Matter

Collaborators

Pouria Abbasi

, known professionally as Bboy Twirly, is a multidisciplinary artist based in Zurich, Switzerland, who integrates his skills as a trained illustrator, visualizer, and breakdancer into compelling performances. His expertise in breakdancing—commonly known as breaking—allows him to seamlessly blend various elements of the dance style. As a B-boy, Abbasi incorporates top rocks, footwork, power moves, and freezes into his routines, demonstrating his versatility and innovation within the discipline. Beyond his technical prowess, he is recognized for his ability to fuse dance with visual art, creating immersive experiences that engage multiple senses. Abbasi has collaborated with well-known artists and participated in prominent performances, including the “Human vs Tech” showcase for Swisscom. His work reflects an ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, both as a solo performer and as part of larger creative collaborations. His contributions to the world of breaking and visual arts continue to resonate within contemporary performance culture.

Sandro Fiechter

(b. 1982) is a social anthropologist, researcher, and photographer who combines academic expertise with creative practice. His work encompasses the work with images, documentation, editing, curation, and design, focusing on uncovering connections and generating meaning. Since 2024, he has been part of the University of Applied Sciences for Engineering and the Environment FHNW, contributing to strategic processes and teaching.

Living in Bern, Fiechter takes a multidisciplinary approach, blending analysis, synthesis, and intuition to reveal the unnoticed and distill the essence of complex ideas. His projects often connect disparate elements, bringing them together to form coherent narratives and overviews.

Outside of his professional life, Fiechter is inspired by Italy, enjoys cooking, eating, swimming, and sailing, and finds joy in time with his son. Through his diverse interests, he continues to explore the intersections of life and work. (Text written by ChatGPT)

Julie Joliat

is a Swiss graphic designer and art director known for her work in editorial design and visual identity. Based in Berlin and Zurich, she launched her practice in the Netherlands in 2002, collaborating with studios like Lust and Daniel van der Velden. In 2006, she returned to Switzerland, where she collaborated on the redesign of the visual identities of the Theater der Künste and of the Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst. Joliat has worked with Hermès, Prada, Chloé, and on festival identities, such as Le Printemps de Septembre.

Her book PIG 05049 won the 2008 Dutch Design Award for Best Graphic Design and the 2009 Index Award, with the MoMA acquiring it for their collection. She also designed posters for Helmhaus, which are part of the Museum für Gestaltung in Zurich.

Since 2015, Joliat has collaborated with Sandrine Macé Krabal on luxury fashion projects and independent publications. In addition to client work, she founded Edition Julie Joliat, creating meticulously designed publications and stationery, including a popular sustainable annual planner.

Joliat’s approach often incorporates imperfections and unexpected elements, pushing the boundaries of aesthetics. Her work has been recognized with several awards, such as the DAM Architectural Book Award and nominations for the German Design Award, solidifying her impact on graphic design and art direction.

Felix Kistler

is a Swiss architect based in Zurich, recognized for his contributions to contemporary architecture and design. He is the principal of Kistler Architektur und Design GmbH, a firm specializing in architectural planning and execution, as well as industrial design. Since the beginning of his career, Kistler has been shaping the cultural scene in Zurich, particularly through groundbreaking projects in the gastronomy sector that have gained recognition beyond the city.

His significant design projects include the Rosso and Osso restaurant, the Hafenkneipe, the Casablanca, and the Bar 3000 of the Zukunft music club. Most recently, he worked on the Octavo restaurant, realized in collaboration with the artist Cristian Andersen and architect Martin Matter. His work continues to influence Zurich’s urban and cultural landscape, combining innovative design with practical solutions that set new standards for both the local and broader architectural community.

Yolanda Ludwig

is a talented Swiss artist, educator, and art mediator with a rich background in photography. Having attended the prestigious Zurich University of the Arts (ZHDK), she honed her skills in photography, excelling in both analog and digital formats. Her artistic approach is characterized by precision and an in-depth understanding of the medium, which she has consistently demonstrated throughout her career.

Ludwig’s expertise is not limited to her personal work. She has served as an art mediator at ZHDK, where she facilitated connections between art and its audiences, enhancing the appreciation of visual culture. She later worked at the House of Photography in Olten, further deepening her engagement with the medium. After completing her Master of Arts, she transitioned into teaching, where she now shares her extensive knowledge and passion for photography with students.

Her work, whether captured through the lens or shared in educational settings, reflects her dedication to the art of photography and her belief in its transformative power.

Patrick Maisano

, born in 1977 in Switzerland, is a writer and architect whose work bridges creative disciplines. He studied architecture at ETH Zurich, earning his diploma in 2005, after gaining experience in Milan, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. He later honed his literary skills at the German Literature Institute in Leipzig, graduating in 2012.

As an architect, Maisano contributed to various projects, including stage designs for the Sofia State Opera and installations for Helsinki’s Korjaamo Culture Factory. He also collaborated with cultural institutions such as Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich. His architectural insights extend into his writing and design criticism.

Maisano’s literary career began with works published in Die Zeit, MDR, and other prominent outlets. In 2013, he received a residency at Herrenhaus Edenkoben, where he completed his debut novel Mezzogiorno (2014), a critically acclaimed work published by Müry Salzmann Verlag. His reflections on Swiss and international architecture have appeared in the design magazine abitare.

After several years in Berlin, Maisano now lives with his family in Bern. His multifaceted career showcases a unique synthesis of architectural expertise and literary creativity, making him a compelling figure in both fields.

Ludwig Matter

, born as an artist, raised as a human, and trained in architecture, Ludwig Matter has always moved beyond conventional boundaries. Educated in Aarau, it climbed the Matterhorn in its imagination and flew to the moon and back again. It envisioned and invented the space station before it existed. An artistic figure in its own right, it was convinced early on that there are not multiple worlds—art, architecture, design—but only one. The distinctions between these fields, it believes, are mere shortcuts that must be overcome.

Its work explores the infinite—just like space, which must remain boundless, lest physicists find themselves without purpose. For it, creative activity is always self-referential, forming an unbroken connection between thought, concept, and material realization. Whether in models, sculptures, buildings, paintings, or exhibitions, its practice is fluid, with no absolute beginning or end.

Its projects challenge the rigid demarcations between disciplines, revealing how they shift and overlap. It questions the artificial barriers imposed on creative work—boundaries that often exist for marketability rather than necessity. In exhibitions, for example, it seeks immediate connections between scales and contexts: a model may reference Schönegghaus, its working environment, while simultaneously reflecting the viewer’s presence in the space. Through such moments, it dissolves fixed categories, inviting a reconsideration of the structures that define how we see, create, and exist.

Martin Matter

, born in Aarau, Switzerland, is an accomplished architect and artist who lives and works in Zurich. He earned his Master of Arts ETH from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), completing his thesis under the renowned architect Marc Angélil. His thesis, titled Yes! Accept the Local Quality, was featured in the ETH yearbook in 2006, marking the beginning of his professional journey in architecture.

Matter’s interest in art and photography began early, during his time at the district school in Aarau between 1990 and 1994. His creative expression took a notable turn when he hung a chair from a rope in the school stairwell, sparking conversations and setting the stage for his future endeavors. He further honed his academic and artistic skills at the Old Cantonal School in Aarau, completing his Matura Type E between 1994 and 1998.

His passion for architecture deepened through a significant internship at the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) in Hong Kong, under the direction of Rem Koolhaas. This experience enriched his architectural perspective and provided a global outlook on urban design.

A lifelong visitor of the Aargauer Kunsthaus, Matter’s engagement with art has been a vital part of his life. His work seamlessly blends architectural precision with artistic creativity, reflecting his belief that architecture is not merely functional but also an art form. His designs often embody a deep appreciation for local culture and aesthetics, bridging the gap between art and architecture in innovative ways.

Sinta Nick

, also known as Sintic, is a talented DJ and artist from Zurich, known for her incredible feeling for music and colors. With a warm heart and a passion for creativity, she brings a unique flair to everything she touches. Sinta’s talents extend beyond the DJ booth; she is equally skilled in creating stunning works of art. One of her notable contributions is designing record covers for the Waswotsch label, where her vibrant and imaginative designs perfectly complement the music.

Sinta’s artistic journey is marked by her ability to repurpose everyday objects into captivating art pieces. For instance, during a project in Istanbul, she transformed plastic mannequin legs into glittery, suspended installations above the DJ booth, much to the delight and surprise of the audience. Her innovative approach to art and music has made her a beloved figure in the creative community, earning her admiration for her ability to blend visual and auditory experiences seamlessly.

Andrea Vedovo

is a professional photographer based in Zurich, Switzerland. His work spans various genres, including portrait, landscape, and commissioned photography. With a strong visual style and a keen eye for composition, he captures moments with depth and precision, creating compelling imagery that resonates with audiences.

Vedovo documented the installation Hochsitz at the Swiss Art Awards in Basel, demonstrating a keen understanding of the complexity of spatial situations. His photographs skillfully translate the physical and atmospheric qualities of the installation, highlighting its relationship with the surrounding space. His ability to capture such nuances reflects his sensitivity to architectural and artistic contexts. More of his work can be explored on his official website.

Anja Wille Schori

is a Swiss artist and photographer based in Zurich. Her work spans books, exhibitions, and commissions in still life, fashion, and architecture. She values the image-making process as much as the final picture, combining precisely constructed settings with spontaneity.

Her photography blends staged and documentary elements, creating emotionally rich and visually striking images that resonate on both personal and collective levels.

Beyond her artistic talent, she collaborates effortlessly, bringing both skill and vision to every project. Her expressive images capture complex emotions with clarity and depth, establishing her as a significant voice in contemporary photography.

About • AMOA