Walter Werner Custer: A Legacy in Architecture and Planning

Education and Career

Custer’s academic journey began in 1929 at the ETH Zurich and continued at the Technical University of Berlin under the tutelage of Hans Poelzig. He earned his diploma in 1935 at the ETH under Otto R. Salvisberg. Custer’s early career was marked by collaborations with luminaries such as Werner Max Moser and Alvar Aalto, setting the stage for a lifetime of influential work.

In the 1930s, Custer’s interest veered towards state and regional planning, focusing on the development of disadvantaged areas. This led him to prepare numerous reports and studies for the Office for Regional Planning of the Cantonal Building Authority between 1943 and 1947. His work extended beyond Swiss borders, with significant contributions to development cooperation in remote mountain areas and various Third World countries, primarily on the Indian subcontinent.

Walter Custer, Godown factory building, Chinchpokli (India), 1948. Source: gta archive / ETH Zurich

By the early 1950s, Custer founded his own architecture and planning office. His expertise and forward-thinking approach to spatial planning were recognized by ETH Zurich, where he was appointed the first professor for this subject in 1960. Custer’s tenure at ETH was characterized by a strong emphasis on methodology, interdisciplinarity, and project-oriented learning.

Works (Selection)

Custer’s architectural portfolio includes a diverse array of projects that showcase his commitment to functional beauty and innovative design. Notable works include:

Building Planning for the Physics Institute, Winterthur Technical Center (1957-58) with Hans Suter: A testament to Custer’s ability to blend scientific functionality with architectural aesthetics.
Primary School with Kindergarten Neubühl, Zurich (1958-60): A space designed to foster learning and community engagement.
Burgerau Primary School Extension, Rapperswil (1959-60) with Hans Zangger: Highlighting the importance of educational spaces that adapt and grow with their communities.
Thurmatthof Settlement, Stans (1965-76) with Arnold Stöckli: A project that encapsulates Custer’s vision for residential planning that harmonizes with its environment.
ETH Data Center, Zurich (1968-71): Demonstrating Custer’s foresight into the technological needs of the future.
Maschinenfabrik Heberlein, Wattwil (1969-70) with Fred Hochstrasser and Hans Bleiker: This project earned him the Reynolds Memorial Award from the American Institute of Architects for its innovative facade design.

Interdisciplinary Approaches and Development Cooperation

Custer’s work in development cooperation, particularly in Nepal, India, and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), showcases his commitment to applying architectural and planning principles to address global challenges. His involvement in the founding of the Swiss Relief Organization for Non-European Areas (later Helvetas) exemplifies his dedication to humanitarian efforts through design.

Custer’s methodology, characterized by interdisciplinarity, problem orientation, and a project-based approach, remains influential in the field of spatial planning and architecture. His work at the Institute for Local, Regional, and State Planning (ORL) at ETH Zurich and the postgraduate course on problems in developing countries are testament to his belief in the power of education to drive change.

Legacy and Influence

Walter Werner Custer’s legacy extends beyond his architectural creations. As a visionary planner and educator, he shaped the minds of future architects and planners, emphasizing the importance of addressing societal needs through design. His work demonstrates the profound impact that thoughtful, well-planned architecture can have on communities, both locally and globally.

For Further Exploration

Custer’s life and work offer a fascinating insight into the evolution of architectural and planning practices over the 20th century. For those interested in delving deeper into his methodologies and projects, exploring his contributions through journals, archives, and his projects themselves can provide a richer understanding of his impact on the field.