Research building near Zurich by Gramazio Kohler

In Dübendorf, in the northern outskirts of Zurich, a research facility of EMPA (Federal Institute for Materials Testing and Research) was completed at the end of May. The project is the work of the local studio Gramazio Kohler, which is a pioneer in material innovation and construction using industrial robots. The four-story modular facility intentionally gives an unfinished impression and is prepared for future expansion. Some of the installations are only temporary. The open platform offers space for short-term construction technology experiments. EMPA, which covers an area of 2500 m², uses the latest scientific findings for construction. The facility also houses the institution NEST (Next Evolution in Sustainable Building Technologies). The arrangement of the interior rooms revolves around a central atrium. Another important aspect was the sufficiently dimensioned installation shafts for media distribution. A residential wooden module used by ETH Zurich and the offices of the University of Lucerne has already been incorporated into the free skeleton. The temporarily built modules also serve to accommodate visiting researchers. In the center of the facility are exhibition, lecture, and meeting rooms, which have a more permanent character.

More information >