Swisscom Building
Bellinzona,
switzerland
1988-1999
Project
1988-1992
Construction
1993-1999
Commissioned by
Swisscom SA,
Berne
Site
20’770 m²
Area
27’800 m²
Volume
125’000 m³
Dimensions
side 100 meters
Since 2004/2005 seat of the Penal Federal Court
The basic idea is that of a quadrilateral 100 m long on each side with a courtyard open to the north in directions of the castles. It is an element which intends to restore order to the edge of town by becoming a reference point for the whole quarter. The part at the head of the complex which houses public functions faces the city, in order to integrate the inner courtyard into the urban fabric. The head of the opposite edge is formed by the emergency stair block. The complex is deliberately out of proportion with the small scale of the surrounding constructions in order to emphasize its administrative function. This is also the reason why the exterior walls are one floor higher than the inner side facing onto the great courtyard. The entire construction is finished with brick facing, in a sober pattern denoting the official functions of the quadrilateral building, while the facing of the semicircular public building at the entrance to the court - with a lecture hall on the ground floor and a restaurant for the employees on the first floor - presents a different character. The interiors in the building's edges are characterized by a skylight marking the distribution and reception areas.
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