Kunsthaus Zurich

Based on the 2007 master plan Central Campus, the museum and the Schauspielhaus on Heimplatz’s eastern side form a "Gateway to the Arts," a focal point of Zurich's "university mile." The new building aligns with this urban vision, occupying the northern edge of Heimplatz. Its design reflects the clarity of the 1842 Old Cantonal School nearby, creating two distinct urban spaces: the "City Plaza" to the south, framed on all sides, and the "Art Garden" to the north, an open, natural space. A spacious entrance hall connects these areas, offering free public access and linking the institution to the city. A visitor passage beneath the plaza ties the new building to the existing Kunsthaus, symbolizing institutional unity.

The architectural language takes inspiration from traditional natural stone facades, found in both the original Kunsthaus and prominent Zurich public buildings. The facade of the extension, composed of slender, regularly placed limestone pilasters with sawn finishes, harmonizes tradition and innovation, situating the structure within Zurich's cultural and urban context. Internally, the design follows the concept of a "house of rooms," with spaces varying in size, orientation, materiality, and lighting to provide unique atmospheres. Public areas like the café, event hall, shop, and educational spaces surround the central entrance hall on the ground floor, while the upper levels are dedicated to art. Galleries of varying sizes feature subtle materials and ample natural light, ensuring an immersive experience for visitors, with side lighting on the first floor and skylights on the second.