Studio Gugger | Transitlager

AREA

37'400 M2

BUDGET

CHF 35M

TIMELINE

2014 - 2016

Concept diagram, BIG | Bjarke Ingels Group

Photos: Laurian Ghinitoiu http://www.laurianghinitoiu.com/

The Transitlager is simultaneously architecture and place. Built as a storage facility for imported goods during transit into Switzerland, the specificity of the location, the building structure subject to logistics and the corresponding orientation, typology, size and function of the buildings are inherent to it. Conversely, the Transitlager creates the location. Due to the extraordinarily large forecourt and the location on the periphery of Dreispitz, a former industrial area, the Transitlager occupies a privileged position. This special position is reflected in the volumetry of the building, which is characterised by the noticeable tapering of the ends of the building.

As a part of the conversion of Dreispitz from a logistic and industrial area into a new lively cluster of galleries, schools, housing and working spaces, a competition for the re-programming and extension of the Transitlager took place in 2011.

The winning proposal by BIG Architects Copenhagen responds to the complexity of the context and the new aimed mixed-use with two volumes on top of each other: while the former warehouse keeps its appearance and offers open and flexible plans for office and commercial programs, the extension develops itself with a completely different geometry seeking an optimum façade and daylight orientation for private residences.

Harry Gugger Studio, as an experienced and trustworthy partner, was commissioned for the execution planning by the design architects (BIG Architects) and the general contractor (Halter AG). In close cooperation with both parties, HGS implemented the architectonic intentions of the winning project and accompanied the building process. The Transitlager, a project for Balintra AG, a real estate company of the UBS Property Fund – Swiss Mixed “Sima” was finished in Spring 2016.