Libraries through the lens
Library of the Zürich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) in Winterthur
THOMAS Guignard’s latest offering for Library through the lens, takes us to a post-industrial conversion of a former production hall for diesel engines.
Set in the Swiss city of Winterthur, a short train ride north from Zürich, the Library of the Zürich University of Applied Sciences occupies Hall 87, part of indus- trialist Johan Jacob Sulzer’s production empire. Thomas explains that Winterthur became the heart of Switzerland’s indus- trial revolution, thanks to a ready supply of hydropower, timber and labour. In 1834 Sulzer founded an iron foundry in the city and “after successfully devel- oping a steam engine and shipbuilding division, Sulzer partnered with Rudolf Diesel to produce diesel engines. In 1929,
January-February 2022
the engine division was running out of space and the firm’s architect Lebericht Völki was tasked to build a new produc- tion hall. An admirer of Walter Gropius’ Bauhaus movement, Völki designed Sulzer’s ‘Hall 87’ by combining Gropius’ ideas in his Fagus shoe factory with the curtain wall construction that was being pioneered in the USA.”
Fast forward to the 21st Century and “the soft clacking of laptop keys has replaced the noise and bustle of the machine floor, and the once state-of-the- art hoisting cranes stands still. Sulzer’s manufacturing operations have since largely moved overseas and its Winter- thur campus has been converted into hip housing studios, offices, restaurants and a microbrewery. After a decade serving as a
grungy music venue, Hall 87 was pur- chased by the Zürich University of Applied Sciences and converted into a library. Opened in 2015, the new space designed by P&B Partner Architekten brought five campus libraries under one roof.” Thomas adds: “The new library space is organised on three levels on either side of a wide open atrium, closely following the original layout of the production hall. The architects were careful to preserve the building’s industrial past, starting with the characteristic high windows of the south-facing facade. Working stations are arranged closest to the windows to maximise natural light and offer students an occasional distraction in the form of a good views to trains coming in and out of the city.”
INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 7
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