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Inspired architecture that cleverly makes the construction process the focus of the design.
Sometimes, architecture tells a story through ingenious concepts that seamlessly connect aesthetics and materiality to the context of the project. The Baugewerbliche Berufsschule Zurich (BBZ) building is a perfect example. Completed by Gunz & Künzle Architects, this new vocational school for construction trades is thoughtfully designed to not only put the focus on the construction process, but to also engage the local community with a series of public spaces. Located in central Zurich, Switzerland, the BBZ building becomes a new landmark for architecture lovers thanks to its minimalist design that combines concrete and steel, prioritizing flexibility and allowing for future alterations.
Apart from maximizing the number of classrooms, the architecture firm also included public spaces for the local community. Slender and understated despite its concrete form, the building follows the street to sit lightly in the busy center of Zurich. A spacious courtyard connects the outdoor areas to the public spaces on the first floor. The piano nobile acts as a truss frame structure, “floating” above the gymnasiums that occupy the basement and ground levels, while creating a flexible space that can adapt to different uses in the future. Organized with efficiency in mind, the upper floors house the classrooms, arranged in a precise grid.
Multifunctional furniture and curtains provide an easy way to adapt spaces to different needs. For example, educational and cultural events like exhibitions and workshops that engage the students, the local community. Throughout the project, Gunz & Künzle Architects used a quality and robust material palette that not only ensures the longevity of the BBZ vocational school, but also cleverly highlights the heart of the construction process in a nod to the purpose of the building. Photography by Willem Pab.
