Justin Rüssli
Gabriel Assin
Petr Vycpalek
Mimi Chan Hua Kueh
The building is facing the mountain panorama, the stream, and the public space in the area around the railway station. This provides the site with an attractive, sheltered outside space – shielded from the highway. The space can be used by employees during breaks and for meetings. It also serves as a representative entrance area and courtyard in front of the building. In terms of noise reduction, the importance is not the distance from the highway, but the position of the building with the sun-exposed outside space in front.
Both wings of the building in the first phase are designed to function as self-contained entities. A future addition can be seamlessly connected to the existing infrastructure. The proposed arrangement of the building reduces the potential for conflict in the event of any additional phase. The space for a second phase is available at the front in the form of an outside car park, whose shape takes account of the future situation.
The concept envisions two phases of construction: The first phase is the more significant one, with a buffer zone planned for additional office space. This space does not have to be developed from the outset. The design allows for multiple options for extension. The parking area for the first phase provides the footprint for the second phase. Regardless of whether this ever materialises, the first phase is effectively a self-contained entity.
The outside space – designed with flexibility in mind – welcomes visitors and employees with a double height entrance. Next to the entrance area are the various public spaces such as the reception area, restaurant, training rooms, and demonstration areas. The landscaped courtyard is surrounded by inviting spaces for visitors and employees to relax.
The verandas at the front overlooking the yard offer an opportunity to stop and rest. They also provide shade for the office spaces on the upper floors. The offices face east and north and so minimise the amount of direct sun exposure, without loss of natural light. Movable partitions allow for different spatial configurations. Workstations are arranged in a flexible way. Up to eight employees can be grouped together in the offices. The open meeting areas are oriented towards the courtyard. They interconnect coffee bars and observation areas across the floors.