SAM Architekten: Empa Research Campus, Dübendorf, Car Park - best architects 27

SAM Architekten

Empa Research Campus, Dübendorf, Car Park

best architects 27

infrastructure buildings

Place

Dübendorf, Switzerland

Photos

Fabio Compagno

Description

The masterplan – context and urban design


The strategic and programmatic transformation of two institutes located in Dübendorf aims to strengthen and deepen research and development through the evolution of the site into a campus. Open spaces are designed to encourage collaborative work. Three new buildings define the spatial structure of the outdoor areas and reinforce the identity of the research institutes.

The parking structure – adaptable sustainability


The prefabricated timber-concrete hybrid construction is designed entirely for future conversion: the structural system and storey heights accommodate both parking and office use. The fundamental idea is to create a building that can adapt to the changing needs of the campus over time. As the research site expands, the parking structure could serve as additional space for laboratories, offices or collaborative areas, without requiring changes to the load-bearing structure. The open timber-louvre façade can be re-clad with a new climate-separated envelope in the event of a future conversion. This concept combines sustainability with long-term flexibility, making the parking structure an integral component of the campus development.