Why does Sweden's star architect Gert Wingårdh, winner of six Casper Salin prizes, still feel like a loser?
This episode of Söndagsintervjun features an in-depth interview with Swedish architect Gert Wingårdh. Host Martin Wicklin explores Wingårdh's personal life and career ahead of his memoir release. Wingårdh describes himself as transparent like glass but fragile. He discusses his sensual approach to life, including morning baths with his wife that have continued for over 30 years. The architect explains the title of his memoir 'Gula Fläcken' (The Yellow Stain), which comes from a childhood memory of his mother peeing on the linoleum floor. He reveals his complex relationship with his parents, particularly seeking their approval throughout his life. Wingårdh recounts a party scene where his father flirted with a younger woman and collapsed drunk, while his mother dramatically covered his glass. He openly discusses his infidelity, admitting he lived with two women simultaneously and introduced his children to their 'new mother' at a train station. The interview covers his architectural philosophy, emphasizing sensuality and storytelling in buildings. Wingårdh predicts future demographic changes will reduce the need for new construction, advocating for building reuse instead. He expresses ongoing self-doubt about his work, influenced by his father's criticism that he was too superficial. Despite his success, Wingårdh believes he could have achieved more with greater focus.
