shigeru ban architects: tamedia office building in zürich

‘tamedia office building’ by shigeru ban architects, zürich, switzerland  all images courtesy of shigeru ban architects

construction for the ‘tamedia office building’, a new headquarters and radio studio for the swiss media company tamedia designed by japanese practice shigeru ban architects is under way in zürich, switzerland. positioned upon a 1,000 square meter site within the heart of the city, the building will join an urban block of ancillary structures which provide support services for the office complex. an elongated glass facade will view the adjacent to the sihl canal, spanning 165 feet in length.

the transparent exterior will reveal the innovative structure, an extensive timber post and beam system devoid of nails and screws. the cylindrical profile of the horizontal elements pierce the columns creating a pinned connection which is laterally stabilized within a grid comprised of secondary joists. the interlocking arrangement defines the character of the interior and is dually expressed and visible from the exterior environment. the construct’s energy consumption also complies with strict regulations, achieving low transmission levels with special glazing techniques for the encompassing skin.

view of exterior from intersection

facade overlooking the sihl canal

mock up showing timber joint details

model of entrance

model detail

model detail