Cathrin Trebeljahr – ETH CIRCLE

Cathrin Trebeljahr
Architect
Cathrin Trebeljahr Architecte

I am German but grew up in Switzerland and studied at ETH Zurich and Harvard. I feel very European ever since I have offices in both Geneva and Paris. In my life, I found that as time went by, the more important it became to be a European in a global world. This personal link is reflected in my work as an architect – this feeling of being part of a community, very much like the ETH Circle actually.

In architecture we are like a family: it’s a way of thinking, of drawing, of doing. My relation to ETH brings a profoundly Swiss influence to my work; in the architectural style, but also the culture and the way of work. Sharing is how you get further, how you meet new people, and how you get something from them. And sometimes you also need to leave and go someplace different to appreciate that, or even change your perspective and your ways.

I like an “atelier” approach, which is one where everyone can contribute and participate. There is no idea that is a bad idea; it’s part of the work process to be together, exchange and reflect. This is also the ETH Circle approach: to meet people who are engaged in different professions, who are passionate, and want to do all they can to support ETH.

In terms of our role and what I hope we can achieve, we need to show the outside more of what goes on inside. There is so much amazing science, such great innovation, so many special projects coming out of ETH. When I talk with the members ETH Circle, this becomes very apparent – and I want to help showcase all of this.