At its core, The Living Mountain conveys that true understanding and connection with nature arise not from dominance but through a quiet harmony and reflective stillness. This insight resonates deeply with the work I’m pursuing this semester in Studio Caruso, where we are exploring the themes of remoteness and identity in the Swiss Alps.

Though the landscapes of the Swiss Alps and the Scottish Highlands differ in many respects, both find strength within their sometimes unforgiving climates, protected from human domination by their rugged and demanding nature. These places reveal the potential for humans and nature to coexist and flourish in mutual respect. In her writing, Shepherd immerses herself in the sensory depths of the landscape: the play of light, the textures, the sounds, and the shifting hues—all elements that also guide our thinking when shaping spaces and architecture. She reflects on the ways in which seasons alter and breathe life into the mountains, shaping how people build their connection to the land in response.

The Swiss Alps and Scottish Highlands, though geographically distant, reveal a shared essence shaped by natural rhythms and seasonal cycles that connect land and inhabitants. These landscapes offer a model for architecture that respects the land as an active partner, embodying its quiet strength and resilient beauty. The Swiss Alps and Scottish Highlands might not be so different after all.