Swiss-Czech architect Miroslav Šik received the 2025 Meret Oppenheim Prize. Unlike the bold, attention-seeking buildings that dominate global discourse, Šik’s architecture favours a quieter sensibility. Switzerland may be home to some of the world’s most celebrated architects, renowned for their high-profile works across the globe. But within the country, architectural standards are defined by a subtler, quieter approach. Miroslav Šik’s work and teaching legacy provide valuable insight into this perspective. Šik, 72, is deeply embedded in this Swiss architectural mindset. He shares a sensibility with past laureates of the Meret Oppenheim Prize – one of the most prestigious Swiss art awards – such as Peter Zumthor and Gion A. Caminada, who prioritise context-driven design and integration over spectacle. Just a short walk from Zurich’s main station, between two contrasting faces of the city – the controversial Europallee commercial complex and the Kaserneareal, a politically charged ...
