Felix Tran

Re-use CIBA

People+air+sound

The laboratory buildings have a high complexity and connectivity to be able to operate. The re- use project proposes a connective bridge within the existing laboratory basement to connect the city Rheinpromenade with the neighborhood square on the other side. By cutting through the groundfloor slabs and reducing the basement walls into columns a generous passage is created. The dense laboratory building is then excavated further to bring in light, air and the flow of life into the building and a sequence of higher spaces allow glimpses into other floors.

The flows on different levels form a unity which derives from the former character of the laboratory building. The experienced horizontal and vertical movement of body and air, moments of light and shadow and the acoustic atmospheres mixing bring back life in the former laboratory building.

For more information please refer to: finalreviews.arch.ethz.ch