Student: Maurizio Mätzler
Supervisor: Robin Rehm & Matthias Brenner
Together with Gottfried Semper’s main ETH building and Karl Moser’s university, the institute building (1999) on Clausiusstrasse characterizes the university district in Zurich.
However, its south and west facades, visible from afar, were criticized shortly after its realization as a mere “pompous masquerade” in terms of urban integration and elevation design. The glass façade with its elaborate sunshades was criticized. Nevertheless, the technical expression reflects the training center for mechanical engineering, operation and production behind it.