frei + saarinen uses calligraphy to sculpt community hall in switzerland

frei + saarinen uses calligraphy to sculpt community hall in switzerland
photo © hannes henz
all images courtesy of frei + saarinen architeken

in 2011, zurich-based architects frei + saarinen won the competition to replace a ‘front building’ that was damaged by a fire. it has received this name because it is attached to a triple gymnasium that is also used for events such as concerts, exhibitions, carnivals, and weddings. it does not only serve as a new main entrance for the whole complex, but also as a center for smaller occasions. in fact, once the authorities of oberglatt experienced the revamped space, they decided to call the foyer and lobby the ‘community hall’. from now on, it will serve as the location where municipal votes will take place.

delivery entrnace and view of the gallery
photo © hannes henz

the existing gymnasium, constructed in the 1970s, was not run-down by the flames, so the question was how to combine a contemporary atmosphere with old remnants. in response, the concept suggested stretching its roof surface over the reconstructed facility. by doing so, the timeline is unified by a form that operates as a stabilizing brace. furthering the gesture, multiple folds occur to generate reasonable room-heights and to create spatial tension, especially over the main axis of the site. this was a crucial aim, because they should not appear as separate structures, but as one big freestanding ‘barn-like’ massing.

(left) main entrance underneath the silver canopy
(right) view of the asynchronous ceiling
photo © hannes henz

additionally, the firm proposed for there to be a ‘gallery’, an intimate meeting room and a vestibule in the upper level of the existing sports hall to serve the spectators of athletic competitions. this program was not requested in the brief and the proposal was risky, as the overall costs of the project were quite limited. since realization, it has been considered one of the nicest spaces of the annex, with its built-in bench, architectural lighting, and picturesque views of the surrounding greenery.

interior of the  community hall
photo © hannes henz

the interior of the town meeting area measures 200m² and can be divided by a mobile separation wall. if the partition (which is hidden behind a door) is installed, the rigid facets are divided into two simple pitched roofs that cover the two separated units.  from the entry, the circulation sequence navigates from the lobby to the gallery via ramp. this path stretches from one side to the other and offers a generous spatial experience, particularly in comparison to the relatively small dimensions of other buildings with the same program. the black glass cabinets along the slope and parts of the gallery’s exterior planes will be used as display cases for trophies and other memorabilia.

looking towards ramp with shaded roof lights paving the way
photo © hannes henz

what makes the roof special is the varying thickness of its appearance, which makes it appear as alternately heavy and then light again in relation to the verticality of the façade. this formal manipulation finds its origins in the art of calligraphy. in this manner of writing, the beauty and tension of the signs are not only achieved by skillful lines, but also by the changing widths created by the pens. as a result, the front canopy is designed to work as a sign for the whole facility. thus, its silver color is highlighted by the context of the black or glazed façade underneath, making it visible from a great distance.

ramp leading to the gallery
photo © hannes henz

the façade expresses the different functions behind it, as the public zones are glazed and the more private spaces feature round windows. the reference for the circular openings are goal posts, as they are surrounded by the multi-purpose sports fields. their benefit is visible through the maximum contrast they provide in relation to the mullions, because the black components appear more continuous than would be the case with rectangular or triangular fenestration.

view towards the surrounding park
photo © hannes henz

the closed parts of the exterior and ceiling are of timber construction, because the lightness of the 20m-long roof elements allowed them to be attached directly to the existing building without an additional bearing wall. this also allowed for a shorter construction period and was more eco-friendly due to the less amount embodied energy required for wood.

round windows shine light into the private spaces
photo © hannes henz

view of the changing façade at night
photo © hannes henz

plans 

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