Architectural Design IV: Identity in Transition (GD R. Boltshauser)

Abstract

In the middle of the "Neue Hard" area in Zurich sits the office complex built in 1972, which first served the travel group KUONI as its main location and today provides workspace for the ZKB. Often renovated and extended in recent years, the large structure now calls for climate-friendly visions so that the building stock can meet future demands and become part of a livable urban neighborhood.

Objective

- Addressing dense, sustainable, circular, simple building - Development of a broad theoretical basic - Holistic design of spatial atmospheres in the interplay of concept, context, construction, climate, sustainability and materiality - Research and development of architectural themes resulting from energy and climatic considerations - Practical work with models, plans and visualization programs as part of the design process

Content

From the heterogeneous small-scale to the homogeneous large-scale structure: After we have spent a semester dealing with the small-scale, heterogeneous structure of the Geroldareal that has grown over time, we will change sides of the street in FS23 and turn to the ZKB building - a large-scale structure whose typology was found in many cities around the world from the second half of the 20th century and around which political and architectural debates revolve in many places. Despite the geographical proximity of the two building sites - separated only by Geroldstrasse - they differ enormously in terms of their urban planning impact. While one has been able to grow and change over decades, the other gives the impression of an almost static, immobile structure. Nevertheless, and contrary to its appearance, the building has been rebuilt, raised and renovated several times since its completion in 1972. This is where we want to pick up, dare to take a leap of scale and ask ourselves questions about how to deal with the architectural heritage of the city. How does one deal with an architectural heritage of such scale? What is worth preserving, what serves the future development of this part of the city or what inhibits it? What urban planning vision drives it? How does the building interact with its surroundings and what is the significance of the exterior design in a constantly changing former industrial area? Last but not least - in a time marked by climate change, pandemic, war and energy crisis and the probably resulting heightened awareness of resources and emissions - the question arises: How can the grey energy stored in the building be transformed into a building that is capable of facing the future in architectural, socio-demographic and energetic terms? Cities are subject to constant change, societies and needs change, and with them the demands on architecture. While the fall semester was also about recognizing existing identity(ies) and continuing to build identity, the spring semester is also about finding identity. In the last century, a transformation from an industrial to a service society took place, recognizable also in the expression of the ZKB building. The changes in a society's values over time are also noticeable in the acceptance of large-scale structures. Whereas in their heyday - driven by a belief in progress - they enjoyed broad acceptance, today they are viewed extremely critically. In this respect, we will also pay special attention to the sociological / socio-spatial effects of our actions. Based on such questions and a precise analysis of the site, its history and characteristics, we will develop in the group a master plan for the entire area, which will show a clear attitude in relation to the existing buildings. The ideas of the master plan will be taken up and deepened in individual projects. We always search, think and design circularly, on a large as well as on a small scale, with the idea to find new visions and solutions of adaptable, durable and therefore quality buildings.

Resources