Inspired by the Swiss glaciers and taking advantage of their history, the architectural firm rd2b limited created Emmen Innovation Community, an innovation center located in the region of Emmen, in Zurich, located in the heart of Switzerland. Roads, railways, public transportation and an airport connect the area to Europe. Bluish in color, a solid line through organic and deployments to the territory, the aesthetics of the design reflects the elegance, harmonizing and transcendence of the glaciers. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The flowing nature of a glacier is reflected in its use, volume and environment. The constant movement of this element of nature is reflected in the flexibility of use achieved within the building. The concept allows the uses vary within the range of innovation center, offices and exhibition halls. The design becomes a space that focuses as a whole though knowledge, research and entrepreneurship.
Majestic white arches refer to cracks of the glacier, caused by its movement. The volume is repeated four times, with a total built area of approximately 60’000 square meters. The solid is reflected in artificial lakes embedded in their immediate surroundings, integrating with the landscape. In the form of bands that prioritize the parking spaces, pedestrian and vegetation, the landscape embodies the transformation of a glacier over time. The design goes from solid to liquid and then the new adaptation and integration with nature around you.
Like no other phenomenon of nature over time, the glacier, with its grandeur and power changed the landscape and set in motion. The ICE project, grew up, graduated and became a living being in Emmen.
