Vehovar & Jauslin Architektur AG: Sihlcity-Kirche - best architects 08

Vehovar & Jauslin Architektur AG

Sihlcity-Kirche

best architects 08

interior work

Place

Zürich | Schweiz

Studio

www.vja.ch

Photos

Niklaus Spoerri

Description

New constructions and buildings listed for preservation are in close dialogue in the new Sihlcity shopping centre. In the middle of the large complex with mixed uses we find a dominant industrial chimney and a former cutting, sheeting and packaging center of a paper mill now transformed into a “house of culture”. The industrial shell was reconstructed and a small area on the second floor transformed into the chapel Sihlcity. This pilot project welcomes people of all ages and religions and offers tranquillity and serenity in the middle of this consumer oriented environment. Necessary technical installations were added to a degree that traces of the past still remain visible. The reinforced concrete structure was dyed in a light tone, the new walls covered in a dark paint. The intimate chapel is defined by a large glass window and a soft curved curtain of small metal pearls. Both installations create a meditative calmness and a sacral atmosphere. Other materials such as raw steel and industrial floor covering interpret elegantly the character of the old building. Wooden furniture and textiles in green integrate necessary elements such as workspace, storage and ventilation.