UBS Offices

In 2003 Andres Carosio Architekten AG completed the renovation of the 1950s UBS building in Zurich’s city centre near the famous ‘Paradeplatz’. The refurbishment included a new interior, new technical facilities, and a new safety, fire & security concept. Interior reorganization was aimed at optimizing work processes and creating an expression which contrasts the existing shell. The architectural concept and design solutions are focused on creating generous working areas with a maximum of natural light. Frosted and clear glass walls transport light to the interior, making the lobbies appear larger and giving the impression of an internal ‘piazza’. Coloured, free-standing conference rooms redefine their surroundings by separating different uses such as open-space office and cafeteria. The architecture plays with the perception of in- and outdoors by using volumes and façades to create inside public space. In the 4th and 5th floor curved ceiling recesses are found in the larger conference rooms. This “clouds” create the impression of a second floating surface and reach out to the original architectural concept of the building.