Studio Gugger | Lindenhofareal

The Lindenhof area is generally perceived as an island due to its memorable triangular shape, its boundary by major transport axes and the extensive green belt. The exclusive use of the site by Lonza has contributed to this perception.

The site will soon be used not only by Lonza employees and visitors but also by future residents and neighbours in the adjoining neighbourhoods and will thus become a public space. The question therefore arises as to whether the site will continue to appear as an island in the future and, if so, what impression this island should have.

An island is not just an island surrounded by water, but also an independent place with a specific identity. And it is a declared aim of the design plan to strengthen the existing green belt, which contributes to the island effect and perception of a garden. However, we do not simply want to strengthen the green belt, but also extend it inwards to create a continuous green space. Following the principles of the sponge city, the green island of the Lindenhof area will develop a pleasant microclimate.

The guideline project aims to create an ‘ensemble of equivalent buildings’. It therefore seems logical to transfer the architectural form of the Lonza tower block to the two twin towers. The timeless elegance of the Lonza building, with its delicate façade characterised by narrow parapet bands and soaring pilaster strips, lends itself perfectly to this. It not only allows a contemporary interpretation, but also the simple integration of the small-scale residential use.

The parapet bands are now to be formed by PV panels, a measure that could possibly also be applied to the refurbishment of the Lonza Tower. If the primary energy generation is to be reduced to the PV panels on the roof of the new buildings, cast glass panels can be used instead of solar cells.

The hermetic expression of the Lonza tower block is broken up in the new buildings by suspended balconies. At the same time, the balconies express the lively character typical of residential use. The different arrangement of the residential use gives the three buildings a differentiated expression, despite the consistent façade structure and materialisation.

The suspended construction of the balcony slabs allows a continuous insulation level and, compared to recessed loggias, a greatly reduced development of the insulation level. The balcony panels are designed so that they can be used as required. For example, they also serve as a canopy for the building entrances or, where necessary, as noise protection. The balconies can also be repositioned according to future changes of use.