©Ruedi Walti

Two minimal, striking, and precise architectural interventions solve the functional problems of the Technorama’s entrance at once: the introduction of a new longitudinal spatial channel as a clear organizing gesture for the central circulation axis, and the relocation of the restaurant to a peripheral position that provides direct connections to the outside.
 
This spatial channel, marked by a bright red epoxy floor and expressive lighting, connects the entrance forecourt with the rear exit into the park, while at the same time serving as entrance, foyer, recreation area, place of communication, and meeting point. Like a “red carpet,” it offers a cheerful welcome to visitors while also providing orientation within the building. At both ends, the channel projects symbolically out of the building volume, thereby generating a new and intuitive address for the museum. The continuous red passage, illuminated through a large glazed surface spanning the existing courtyard, forms the attractive new center of the Technorama. The materiality of the new elements follows the restrained and industrial character of the original building, using translucent corrugated panels backlit with fluorescent tubes.

Architecture / Design Firm:
Dürig AG, Zurich (formerly Dürig & Rämi)
Competition:
Jean-Pierre Dürig, Michel Gübeli, Lothar Puttinger
Execution:
Francesco Bartolomeoli, Daniel Beer, Jean-Pierre Dürig, Michel Gübeli, Gilbert Isermann, Philippe Rämi, Simone Trottmann
 
General contractor:
Bauengineering AG, St. Gallen
 
Structural engineer (Civil engineer):
Aschwanden & Partner Ingenieure + Planer ETH/SIA AG, Rüti
 
HVAC engineer (Building services):
Amstein + Walthert AG, Zurich
 
Acoustics:
Wichser Akustik + Bauphysk AG, Dübendorf
 
Landscape architecture:
Vogt Landschaftsarchitekten AG, Zurich, Dübendorf
 
Signage:
Lämmler + Mettler GmbH, Zurich
 
Arts:
Ned Kahn, Sebastopol, California, USA