CS Uetlihof

Zurich, Switzerland
Photo © Karin Rohländer, St'A
Photo © Karin Rohländer, St'A
Photo © Luc Joos
Photo © Karin Rohländer, St'A
Photo © Noelle Glaus
Photo © Luc Joos
Photo © Luc Joos
Photo © Luc Joos
Architects
Stücheli Architekten
Year
2011

Construction of the headquarters of Credit Suisse at the foot of the Uetliberg began between 1972 and 1979 in the former clay pit of a Zurich brickworks. Stücheli Architekten have accompanied the development of this massive complex, designed almost as a city within a city, for more than thirty years. The expansion that took place between 2008 and 2011 was the eighth phase in the history of the complex. Now with 16 added storeys, six of them underground, a high-rise building has resulted that can accommodate 8'500 work stations, instead of 6'000. The expansion was guided by the vision of the 2000 Watt Society. It meets the Minergie-P-Eco standard and was awarded the Good Interior Climate certificate. Despite the large number of additional work stations, the expansion of the available public transport made it unnecessary to expand the parking facilities. From a design perspective, the building is based on tectonic layering, which is particularly visible in the base storey, with its alternating layers of windows and parapets made from structured concrete. The design of the interior resembles the structure of a cell. In the same way as in the cells of an organ, the functions are spread across the entire surface, resulting in an environment free from strict zoning grids. Three irregular atria ensure sufficient natural light, aid the air circulation and provide informal meeting areas. The sanitary facilities and vertical access connections are enclosed in one main core and seven auxiliary cores. On the exterior, water-permeable surfaces and the planted roof make a natural, but irrigation-free design possible. With its buildings and open spaces, together with their connections and infrastructure, the Uetihof forms an enclosed, geometric, urban (eco) system.

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