Repurposing an existing industrial building on the northern edge of Dübendorf Airfield; this cavernous 150×20 metre building will be the new home to a plethora of researchers—working in the fields of AI, robotics, mobility, aerospace, and engineering from ETH Zürich
The interior is defined by the luxuriousness of its space, and will eventually house facilities to accommodate up to about 200 researchers in the building. The renovation focuses on restoring the exposed steel truss structure, refinishing preexisting walls and surfaces, and preserving the industrial character of the building. To maintain the openness and flexibility of the space, it was decided to avoid introducing new elements that would divide the elongated interior into smaller areas. Instead, three custom-designed, bi-level ‘clusters’ have been incorporated. Connected by an exposed staircase, each cluster features an open upper level and an enclosed lower level with glass and modular wooden elements. Elevated approximately three metres, these wooden clusters form mezzanines shaped by the steel trusses, which rise between them. Their footprints create a dialogue between the clusters and seamlessly integrate interior and exterior workspaces. |
Technical installations and utilities—including energy, air, and IT infrastructure—have been left exposed to further emphasize the industrial character of the hangar. A newly installed sunken utility channel runs the length of the building, enabling the interior to provide researchers with maximum flexibility in their use of the space. Essentially, this project transforms an aviation heritage within an existing green space by integrating it seamlessly into its context. Through visual and material porosity, the building establishes a 360-degree dialogue with its surroundings. Expansive open areas and transparent glass partitions foster a sense of community and openness within the interior, offering unobstructed views of the airfield and the surrounding landscape. Combinations of old and new materials, such as the natural raw wood of the clusters, and the ruggedness of the exposed steel, create a dialogue between past and present, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and efficient reuse—a hallmark of Swiss construction ethos.
The IPZ Hallen project, which will serve as a research centre for robotics, mobility, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing technologies for Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zürich, is scheduled to begin operations in early 2025, with full completion expected by late-2025.