The "Cabrio" is a flexible architectural concept designed to harmonize diverse uses and residential tranquility. Its multifunctional design features an extendable roof that reduces noise to library levels, enabling loud activities like concerts to coexist with nearby residents. The roof, built with a scissor structure and elastic membranes, provides weather protection, creates adaptable spaces, and offers a dynamic aesthetic. Perforated benches and tables double as removable walls for climbing or workout equipment, while hidden storage supports activities with necessary materials. This architecture redefines urban spaces, offering a protective, adaptable environment that balances versatility, functionality, and harmonious living.

Marin Lercher, Ivan Bagaturiya

Our project is a transformable concert hall at the west-end of the site. It consists of two shells; an outer shell, which forms the acoustical and climatical border and an inner shell which is largely characterized by two foldable walls. The space provided is flexible in size and acoustic properties thanks to the shape of the roof, foldable walls and acoustic curtains and can adjust to each artist’s needs. This is especially interesting for smaller bands, which often struggle to find good, small venues. The hall can be opened on all four sides. In this way it connects to the surroundings and invites passersby’s.

Selma Klee, Clara Paulen

Our project for the Letten area draws inspiration from the former Letten train line and its remarkable remnants. Our design includes two movable multipurpose halls as well as two stationary infrastructural buildings which can be understood as stations for the halls. Both structures are based on a system of interlocking 3-point frames. The hall is designed for diverse cultural and sporting activities and has the ability to roll over both stations, creating adaptable outdoor or semi-covered spaces, while also adding insulation to the stationary buildings when needed. The diagonal walls reflect sound waves to the absorptive ceiling.

Alan Thomas, Felix Affolter

Our public space comes to life through six essential characters. These elements interact, like actors performing on the stage of a grand theatre—the "theatre" being the spatial volume itself. The first act unfolds on the upper floor, featuring: a table, a sofa, and an booth module. The second act plays out on the lower floor, introducing a grill, a bench, and a sun-bed module. Each module glides along a rail system, allowing for endless combinations in relation to the users needs. This flexibility is at the heart of the design, resulting in a truly personalized experience. The structural framework of the volume serves as both stage and canvas for this ever-evolving performance of the public sphere. 

Timon Stettler, Melissa Weinig

The proposed design retains the existing containers as functional storage while integrating them into a central structure that fosters community interaction. A large hall will be constructed to host events, conferences, and exhibitions that currently face limitations due to weather conditions. The hall can be reconfigured into smaller spaces using folding walls, and a second level will be added on top of the containers. A unifying roof overarching the entire structure, creates a cohesive building that supports existing activities and allows for future growth - ultimately establishing a vibrant network of communal spaces.

Chidi Speranza, Paul Theodor Ban

The Letten Pavilion, situated in the upper, less developed section of the Letten, is constructed out of recyclable, a8ordable and lightweight materials. It strengthens the already existing structures and community. The delicate wooden structure sits on screw foundations. Movable and transparent polycarbonate panels slide through the latter and allow the pavilion to adapt and transform based on di8erent needs. The grip attachments, highlighted in a vibrant red, invite users to engage with the panels. Parametrically designed cork panels and perforation patterns for the polycarbonate panels, enable users to achieve the desired acoustic ambiance inside, depending on their preference.

Lars Ludes, Magdalena Stankova

Our project is based on a wooden 2x2m grid structure. Rotating metal collars with hinges are attached to every pillar. Thus, various attachments can be added. From high walls to acoustic panels, grids, workout bars and hammocks. The construction is covered by corrugated iron and polycarbonate plates and stiffened out by fixed boxes. These are used for toilets, storage and a bar. By changing the modules, a variety of uses can be created in no time. Therefore a yoga class can be transformed into a painting workshop, sports course or market at any time. This simple and flexible system creates new opportunities to come into contact with people at Letten and looks different every time.

Tassiolo Meyer, Oriana Stücker

The SBB Bauteillager Altstetten between the railyard and the Letzitürme features a vehicle axis for efficient un-/loading of building components coming in or leaving by train or truck. Two storage and processing units, the administration offices and public uses towards the neighboring pocketpark are located along this main axis being united under an interior and exterior roof. The combination of a column-less Zollinger roof structure, modular shelves and a table grid system for interior rooms allows for adjustable storage capacity, changing needs of logistics and shrinking, expansion or transformation of the administration and public spaces.

Deniz Esen, Tom Bauer

The building structure harmoniously blends with the railroad tracks and the surrounding urban landscape, giving rise to the formation of two welcoming public squares. The warehouse is comprised of three halls. The middle one is a spacious open room designed to accommodate larger parts. It features two adjacent halls with high racks for efficient storage. The delivery by train and truck is situated to the west of the building. To facilitate the unloading of goods, an overhead crane spans the entire middle hall. The eastern section houses a showroom, a VR arena, and the administration room. Our wooden structure is designed to be highly flexible and adaptable, allowing for easy manipulation of the hall using just 8 lines.

Joss Russek, Michael Maurer

We construct our project from an engineered cantilever racking system, thus using an "off-the-shelf" solution that is already available on the market. This racking system offers high flexibility and high durability. Our discrete timber roof elements are interlinked into a structural system. This system expands on the existing logistical logic of the warehouse and the engineering solutions of the racking shelf. In order to host rooms, corridors, and spaces, the roof responds to changes in the grid structure with our python-script. Simple rules enable the flexible adaptation of the otherwise rigid logistical framework. Secured by tension cables, the wooden roofs rest on the steel columns of the shelves, touching them lightly.

Lancelot Burwell, Tizian Rein

Infolge weiterer Arealentwicklungen entstehen neue öffentliche Aussenräume. Durch die städtebauliche Setzung versucht das Projekt die verschiedenen Freiräume über die neue Gleisuferpromenade als bedeutender identitätsstiftender Raum miteinander zu verbinden und ermöglicht Raum für überschneidende Nutzungen. Die Lagerstruktur orientiert sich an der Trichterförmigen Parzellenform und erhält dadurch unterschiedliche Gebäudetiefen. Anhand dieser werden die Bauteile ihrer Grösse nach gelagert. Im Bereich der Zirkulation entstehen stützenfreie Räume, die mit einem räumlichen Fachwerk überspannt werden, welches aus gleich langen massivholz Balken besteht. Die Knoten werden in einer Zangenkonstruktion ausgeführt. Die aus vier gebündelten Pfosten bestehenden Stützen führen das System fort. Die Tragstruktur wird zum Regal.

Luca Peter, Moritz Wick

Das Lagerhaus für Wiederverwendete Bauteile verkörpert sein Programm mit einer Fassade aus wiederverwendeten Holzbrettern. Der Grundriss spiegelt die Nutzung der Halle im Innern wieder, nimmt aber gleichzeitig auch Bezug auf den Stadtraum. So beherbergen zwei Arkaden das Ausstellungslager im Süden und die Aufbereitungshalle im Norden, während ein Lagerstrang dazwischen die Lagerung und die isolierten Räume umfasst. Bei Bedarf können weitere Teile des inneren Kerns isoliert werden. Textile Vorhänge ermöglichen eine physische Trennung der 3 Stränge. Die Struktur besteht aus einer Reihe von Giebeldächern, die auf unterschiedlich grossen Fachwerkträgern ruhen. Im Kern dienen Wände aus wiederverwendetem Backstein als Queraussteifung. Entlang der Längsfassaden übernimmt dies ein Windverband.  Das begrünte, strohisolierte Dach und die erweiterte Gleisuferpromenade soll der Hitze des Gleisfeldes entgegenwirken und ein angenehmes Klima für die Bewohner des Gebiets schaffen.

Riccardo Pizzolotto, Anna Hess

Unser Architekturkonzept basiert auf einem Raumgitter, das sowohl als Lagerstruktur als auch als tragendes Element des gesamten Gebäudes fungiert. Im Entwurfsprozess wird die Tragstruktur als Ausgangspunkt genommen. Die Bauteile werden in das Gitter hineingeschoben, während Gänge, Büros und Werkstätten daraus herausgeschnitten werden. Durch das Schräg-stellen des Gitters minimieren wir Gangbreiten abhängig von den Bauteildimensionen. Neben regulären Fachgrößen werden auch größere Fächer aus dem Gitter herausgeschnitten, die Anordnung ist dabei abhängig von der Lageraussteifung. Die Gebäudehülle besteht aus wiederverwendeten Paletten für Verschattung einerseits und Polycarbonat für Licht und Einblicke andererseits. Das begehbare Dach spiegelt das Innenleben durch die Anordnung von Paletten, SBB-Kisten und Bauteilen.

Lara Becks, Ellen Stenzel

Unser Bauteillager besteht aus einer Konstellation einzelner Regalhäuser aus Holz, die nicht nur die Einlagerung aller möglichen Bauteilgrössen gewährleisten, sondern sich auch klar in der Gebäudefunktion zur Umgebung und Gleisfront über die durchlässige und funktionale Fassade präsentiert. Durch die Analyse der vielfältigen Bauteile haben wir eine systematische Holzkonstruktion entwickelt, die alle möglichen Bauteile aufnehmen kann und auf den Betrieb mit Gabelstaplern optimiert ist. Nach demselben Prinzip entstehen eine Werkstatt mit öffentlichen Werkbereich und eine Brockenhaus, die über unser Schaulager in Verbindung gebracht werden. Somit kann sich auch die Öffentlichkeit und das Quartiersleben im Projekt entfalten. Das charakteristische Dach, das aus wiederverwendeten Stahlträgern und Trapezblechen abgerissener Industriebauten entlang der Gleisfront besteht, sammelt Regenwasser zur Nutzung im Brandfall. Die gestalteten Wasserspeicher auf den Vorplätzen bieten zudem einladende Aufenthaltsmöglichkeiten.

Leon Kallert, Žan Kočunik

Situated in the park of the Istituto Svizerro, our architectural vision seamless integrates the building as an extension of the garden, with its own topography and forest-like repetition. The slightly floating open-space framework can be used as desired: sheltered from rain and sun, you can hang hammocks on the iron hooks. The interior below is directly connected through a staircase that leads to the gallery floor. Underneath are the private rooms that can be used for seminars, video conferences, workshops or rehearsals. The over height multifunctional room can be used to present works - the exhibition space interweaves with the working space, so that the residents can benefit as much as possible from each other through exchange.

Mario Bieri, Carla Ringenbach

Our aim is to designate the villa as a mainly residential building while relocating every work related function to the dipendenza. There the interior spaces will be reused to provide labs, storage, offices and ateliers instead of the former apartments and will be complemented by an extension on the last floor. It consists of an open space under a new roof that results in a representative space for the institute that is well connected to the topography of the site. We intend to create a workspace that is meant to favour interdisciplinary and interaction between guests on both the artistic and scientific front. A gastronomic feature on the top floor links the building to the park and the villa. This new construction follows the typology of a mediterranean roof with an interior courtyard.

Matteo Cadei, Kyan Tami

Adding to the present ensemble of villa, park and Dipendenza requires subtlety. By embracing a rather introverted character, our proposal does not outshine the existing villa. Currently, functions are scattered around the buildings, leading to a lack of spatial clarity. By reassigning housing to the upper floors of the villa, the Dipendenza becomes a place for collaborative work. Connecting the piano nobile of the villa and the extension, the park opens the Instituto to the people of Rome. The vertical extension contains clusters of usages that are spatially interlocked with each other.

Christoph Gerken, Jozef Merx

The path from the prominent entrance gate of the site up to the villa leads through a garden/park that characterizes the entire area. Great scenic moments follow one another during this walk. So far, the Dipendenza has not been part of this path. We want to integrate the Dipendenza into this route and thus the entire ensemble of the site by adding a new storey. To this end, the route will be re-routed through the Dipendenza so that what happens inside the building interacts with that of the site. The topography of the park is continued through the staircase in the Dipendenza. From the first floor of the extension, the route leads through the building, past various functions, to the upper floor and back to the park.

Tiziano Lanza, Tolga Tomel

The basic concept of our extension is to build an artificial tree - reflected by the movement in the ceiling as well as variations in the lammellas of the façade.
The façade extends over the entire new building and thus forms the new head of the Dipendenza. Towards the street, it follows clear lines and is thus integrated into the urban development. Towards the park, our volume is structured around the existing trees with a more organic form, which was created by the existing positions of the trees.
The additional spaces have a more public character and are accessible from the park.

Fabio Almeida Ferreira, Nuria Estevez

Our extension of the dipendenza starts with a spatial framework based on the four columns of the inner courtyard. We strengthened them as a base, pushed the inner facade back, designing a gallery and providing equal access to apartments, and relocated the stairs to the gallery. Through various entrances the building interacts with the existing terrain and produces moving situations in the park through both levels. The lightweight, perforated facade allows maximum permeability. Inside, the utility is free and spontaneous, allowing the artists and scientists to either use it for events or simply get out of their single rooms and work together.

Manuel Eichenberger, Tamara Zecevic

To envelop the program we wanted to have an undisturbed free flowing space expanding from the parks entry towards the furthest corner of the building encouraging interactions and adaption of spaces. All of this lies under one roof, following the from of a ‘hyperbolic paraboloid’, which further expresses the diagonal line and the opening towards the park on one end and the city on the other. The travertine blocks take on the language of the existing facade working as a continuation of the pilasters. For sun protection, curtains are implemented, which further increase the theatric expression of the pillars and create a different type of expression to the city as the building does towards the park.

Gabriel Mösch, Brandon Schwab Rodriguez

The project "Einhausung Schwamendingen" closes an urban scar in Zurich that has cut the neighborhood in two since the construction of the section of the A1L highway. The "Einhausung" with the Ueberlandpark planned on top of it will create new outdoor spaces and connections in the neighborhood. The goal of our semester is to design another level of use for the Ueberlandpark. The park is exposed, for shading heat-resistant plants and dry meadows as well as a pavilion are planned. In the current energy and climate crisis, using solar energy is becoming more and more important. We see the potential here to develop a large-scale wooden structure that, planked with shade-giving photo-voltaic, engages with the planned landscape.
As a construction material, wood is particularly suitable here due to its static performance combined with low weight. We will approach the design using parametric tools to systematically control the amount of different individual components. This alters the rules according to which we design architecture.

Our design is based on the logic of a simple timber construction, where the entire structure consists only of straight elements that pincer each other. Transferring this rule to the large scale, we overcome the curved shape of the enclosure by overlapping several straight segments, which together form a continuous structure over the entire 900 m of the park. The rigid directionality of the segments is broken up by a playful height development in the upper cords and the differing cantilevers of the roofing beams. Seen from the surrounding neighbourhoods, the image of a twisting carpet is evoked with the PV canopy adapting to the undulating movement of the structure.

Maximilian Bächli, Michelle Kraus

Our structure emerges from the ground at both ends. It consists of twisted polygons which are cut off in the bottom of the structure These polygons can be scaled in width and height, offering diverse spatial experiences. A secondary structure supports the main framework, situated between the top two polygon boards. Solar panels are elegantly integrated along the top beams, resembling scales and maintaining a uniform size. Inside, the varying twists and sizes create an extraordinary experience, while the spacing between polygons allows for expansive openings and intimate sections. Visitors are seamlessly immersed in the environment through thr interconnected interior and exterior paths.

Matteo Bianchi und Vithursan Manoharan

Die 940 Meter lange Einhausung in Zürich Schwamendingen soll in ihrer Linearität aufgebrochen werden: Rund angeordnete Strukturen schaffen Orte, die zum Verweilen einladen. Die variable Platzierung schafft vielfältige Situationen. Es entsteht ein Spiel zwischen innen und aussen, grosszügig und kompakt, weit und eng. Durch die kompakte Setzung von kleinen Kreisen entsteht ein Hortus. Es sind intime Rückzugsorte, gefasst durch höhere Vegetation mit Ausblick auf die Umgebung. Offene Kiesplätze bei den Treppenaufgängen schaffen Raum für Aktivitäten, Liegewiesen and den Enden des Parks schaffen Platz für Bewegung und Spiele. Herzstück des Parks ist ein skulpturaler Turm: Er dient als Symbol für das umliegende Quartier, als Orientierungs- und Treffpunkt.

Selina Frauenfelder und Alessia Venezia

We will, as the studio name HIL-Z already reveals, develop project proposals for the vertical extension of the HIL building. In doing so, we will focus on densification as an addition to the building in wood-frame construction. With this strategy we activate the roofscapes of the HIL building and generate new spatial references. Programmatically, we will attempt to answer the following question: What are the spatial requirements of immersive studios like ours for a future school of architecture, what does the drawing room of the digital age look like, and how can temporary forms of living be linked to the program of a school of architecture? Aspects of materialization, fabrication and sustainability will decisively shape the discussion about architectural design.