ARGE dolmus architekten & jäger-egli architekten

Description

Lucerne, the gateway to central Switzerland, has always been a hub. In former days, travellers through Switzerland had to change from train to ship in Lucerne to continue their journey. The various lakeside buildings were all built to cater to ship operations. One of these is the old service building from 1907. After the floods of 2006, the shipping company held a competition for a new support structure and outer shell for the damaged building, as well as a new interior design. The working partnership of dolmus & Jäger-Egli Architekten enhanced the old wooden structure and the historical windows with a reinterpreted facade. A hard concrete core was then inserted inside the soft building envelope in order to brace the structure. The concrete volume contains the food service facilities, toilets and technical fittings. With its floor slab and concrete parapets, this core also meets the flood protection requirements. The guest area features a mix of chairs and tables from old ships.