Swiss artist Yves Suter designed his atelier as a space for himself—an environment shaped by simplicity, clarity, and reduction.
He played an integral role in defining the aesthetics, furniture, and layout of the space, collaborating closely with a local carpenter. The atelier, located in a rented space within a renovated industrial building, reflects his long-standing connection to Japan and its principles of restraint and intentionality.
The atelier's defining feature is its contrast of warm and cool elements. The roof, clad in prefabricated pine wood panels, extends across the entire south-facing side, softened by the golden tone of the material. To counterbalance this warmth, Suter opted for a primed grey concrete floor, lending the space a neutral, composed presence. Generous windows on the south facade and north-facing skylights flood the space with natural light, creating a bright and balanced atmosphere throughout the year.
The atelier’s furniture reflects the same disciplined approach. Suter, working alongside a local carpenter, designed and built custom oak shelving and tables. The painting workstation, however, integrates pine wood—identical to the ceiling structure—allowing it to visually recede. A few secondhand chairs and stools round out the collection, reinforcing the idea of thoughtful selection over accumulation.
Spatial organization follows a quiet logic. A massive bookshelf acts as both a divider and an archive of art books, delineating the lounge from the work area. Here, a self-built couch and restored lounge chairs create a resting space for reflection. Adjacent to the lounge, an indoor garden introduces a sense of tranquility—an enclosed pocket of greenery that shifts the atelier’s mood, offering a moment of pause amidst the discipline of making.
Yves Suter’s atelier is a carefully orchestrated environment that amplifies focus and intention. In an otherwise chaotic world, it is a space of stillness—where work unfolds in quiet conversation with light, material, and the act of creation itself.
