Perspektivenweg

When photographing alpine architecture, we are at the mercy of the weather. It can be temperamental, fast-changing, and even stubborn. The key to making successful images is to be flexible and to know how to play to the strengths of each weather and lighting condition.

As we continued up the rail line, we decided our only hope was to take the cable car over the cloud cover. On the way to the middle station of the Nordkette, we broke through the clouds and found ourselves above a sea of fog that filled the entire Inn valley. The massive fog banks ebbed and flowed, revealing faint outlines of the peaks beyond, and tiny islands of trees and slopes below. What seemed like unfortunate weather at the start was beginning to add a shroud of magic to this particular project. Looking back, the mood in this series is palpable. The rolling fog adds such a special element to these photographs.

When we finally landed at the trail that holds Perspektivenweg, the constant drizzle made for slippery fields of rock and a muddy meadow. The incomparable scenery though provided a sense of comfort despite the conditions.

I had my assistant Marcus step into a few of the photographs as a model. His figure gives the viewer a focal point, as well as an element of scale amongst the architecture. His bright clothing adds a layer of visual interest and adds a bit of cheer to the earthy color palate.

The Perspektivenweg’s reduced architectural style means that each element blends in with its surroundings. Peter Zöch of Snøhetta shared with me that the goal of Perspektiveweg’s design was “to make visitors aware of the special features of the alpine environment and give them the necessary security to move around in [it].”

One of the most noteworthy things about Perspektivenweg, like most alpine architecture, is its relationship to its surroundings. Zöch tells “The installations focus on the sensitive relationship between natural space and built intervention and stage-specific views and perspectives.”
The structures are made from local larch wood and untreated sheet steel. As the steel ages, a protective layer of rust forms to prevent corrosion. Zöch continues “we deliberately only set foundations where absolutely necessary, many elements are only anchored in the existing rock structure or set in the ground.”

With this in mind, my overarching goal for these photographs was to show the careful bond between connecting architecture and nature. One element, in particular, stood out to me – the metal viewing platform. By photographing this structure from a distance and from different perspectives, you can see its integration into the environment more clearly.

Snøhetta’s Perspektivenweg is a textbook example of alpine architecture. It provides a place for outdoor enthusiasts to rest and look out on the beauty of the mountains. Its construction is hearty and able to withstand the demanding elements – avalanches, ice, wind, and fog banks. While it is strong, it demands little of its environment. The locally sourced materials and small footprint are kinder to the land. Difficult to access, but a beautiful sight to behold when you’re there, Perspektivenweg is an incredible testament to alpinism.