Publishing house in Switzerland [project]

AIMS AND GOALS 

The object was built on the site of a demolished apartment building, near the historic center of Zurich. The client, a Swiss book publisher, wanted to demonstrate the company's openness and integrate the building into the local community. These features were the focal point for the functional and architectural solutions. 

TRANSPARENCY

The facades, plan and other parts of the projects are based on a strict grid of proportions. As a result, the silhouette of the building is clear and identifiable in space. The facade consists of a system of aluminum profiles with glazing and individual horizontal elements.  The overall form refers to the house that previously stood on the site. 

PUBLIC SPACES 

In addition to the publishing house, the 3000 m² area includes event venues and public spaces. The first floor houses a bookstore and a cafe. A grand staircase leads to the second floor, where the library of the publishing house is located. It also houses the administrative rooms and the cafe’s kitchen; an elevator takes orders for meals to the dining room on the ground floor. On the seventh level, there is a public spa with a swimming pool. There is also an open-air bar and yoga classes. Parking is not included in the project, as there is already a covered multi-level parking lot behind the building. 

WORKSPACES 

The rest of the building is occupied by workspaces. There are offices divided by a foyer. If necessary, they can be converted into additional workspaces with mobile furniture. On the third floor there is an open terrace for employees only.

RESULT 

The building is designed to make working comfortable and to serve the local community. It also has a representative function, expressing the client's main values: openness and care for people.