Zürich, Switzerland, 2008

The client asked for an unusual concept for an unusual site.

Instead of designing another high-rise building in front of the Prime tower, we propose to design a group of linked towers. The plans of the individual buildings are simple rectangles located like a checkerboard pattern on the site. Together, the buildings create a variety of differentiated open spaces that connect elements of urban life like living, working, shopping or leisure. On the sloped roofs, private green terraces are exposed to the sun.

These “living courtyards” and “living roofs” create a safe and pleasurable public oasis as well as protected, luxurious private spaces. The “Gerold towers” should look homogeneous with different openings suggesting different programs and types of apartments. This new district would provide for new forms of living.

Rather than a large, continuous open area, the 30% open space required by code is divided to create courtyards, gardens, and a plaza facing the railroad station. The division of the building volumes allows for formal and informal uses. These activities encompass all elements of urban life.

A 90m interior passage is dedicated to shopping. To the south, a center of urban culture comprises a cinema, music, theater, art and a sports hall retaining the vibrancy of the current area.