Remembering René Vittone

René Vittone earned a degree in architecture from Ecole Polytechnique de l’Université de Lausanne (EPUL) in 1956. He and six former classmates went on to found Atelier des Architectes Associés (known as AAA) in 1961, joined later by three additional partners. They all shared a common belief in the importance of teamwork to carry out the complex projects on the horizon, and championed a collaborative approach to finding optimal solutions and building only the highest-quality structures. Pioneering an open, cross-disciplinary ethos, the firm was particularly interested in construction-related aspects of architecture – and especially technological innovation and rationalized, industrial construction processes – as well as urban planning and the architect’s role in society.

Notable achievements

Some of AAA’s most significant achievementsincludethe Chavalon thermal power plant in Vouvry, the Morges district hospital and school of nursing assistants, the industry and crafts section of the 1964 Swiss National Exhibition (along with Frédéric Brugger), the City of Lausanne’s administrative, commercial and cultural building at Place Chauderon, and their contribution to the CROCS (Centre de rationalisation et d'organisation de constructions scolaires) school-building design. Between 1971 and 1975, René Vittone lived in Algeria, where he constructed various industrial complexes, socio-cultural centers and residences.

The bible of construction

In addition to his work as an architect, René Vittone taught at EPFL from 1976 to 1992. As a professor, he provided aspiring architects with both theoretical and practical training in construction. All those who studied in EPFL’s architecture department in the ‘70s and ‘80s wore out their copies of the textbook they called “The Vittone.” This construction bible was given to students first as small booklets, and then as a collection in an imposing cardboard box weighing nearly 3 kg. It finally achieved genuine textbook status, complete with a preface by distinguished architect Mario Botta. The reference work has since been revised and updated to take into account recent construction-industry developments, particularly in the field of energy efficiency.

“To build is to imagine, to invent, to create. Our art must adhere to the precise limits and rules of construction, which themselves are subject to natural and artificial constraints as well as user needs.” This quote from The Vittone has been the guiding philosophy for generations of students. With its 1,500 blueprints, clear explanations and universal subject matter, the textbook is so rich and inspiring that students frequently stumble across the book in the firms where they intern, even abroad.

René Vittone will be remembered as a teacher who combined his passion for the architecture profession with his desire to address societal issues and all other aspects that go into designing and creating the spaces where we live and work.