Ingenhoven Architects
M'nnedorf, Switzerland
In the rarefied world of Swarovski crystal there is a new jewel'the Daniel Swarovski Corporation headquarters. Situated on the tranquil eastern shore of Lake Zurich, in M'nnedorf, Switzerland, the new building, designed by D'sseldorf-based Ingenhoven Architects, is as beautiful a work environment as one could imagine.
For 118 years, since Daniel Swarovski invented the precision-cutting machine that revolutionized the crystal-glass industry, the company has grown to manufacture decorative products that are irresistible to such iconic fashion houses as Chanel, Schiaparelli, Balenciaga, and Dior, making Swarovski a tony household name.
Fast forward to 2010, when the $2 billion'plus company charged Ingenhoven Architects with designing a new building, which would take teamwork and creative thinking to a higher level. The location was selected for the inspiring panoramic views of the lake it provides. The architects were asked to create an innovative and sustainable office building with an open, transparent interior plan. Additionally, they were asked to provide nearly all the company's 500 employees with well-appointed lake-view offices and workstations.
The design team's solution is an elegant boomerang-shaped structure that frames the lake for its occupants with a glazed facade. Internal glass walls allow views through the exterior offices, bringing the outdoors in from almost every direction. The result is an unparalleled feeling of spaciousness and light.
The new building houses administrative offices, the marketing department, and an in-house design studio. Employees enter a gleaming white lobby, where more general spaces include a lounge, a restaurant, and rooms for conferences and workshops. Every aspect of the layout has been designed for spontaneous interaction. Meanwhile, the open-plan work areas on the upper floor facilitate collaboration among employees, as well as easily configured organizational changes.
According to architect Ben Dieckmann, a member of Ingenhoven's project team, designing for optimum employee communication was particularly important to the Daniel Swarovski marketing department. 'The main thing was to maximize the exchange of ideas,' he says. 'The U-shaped open space, where not only are all colleagues visible to each other, but also where all of the office workstations enjoy the panorama of Lake Zurich, is a major part of the success of the building.' In fact, he notes, Swarovski has already outgrown the building and plans an extension on the grounds''proof that the overall aim of the project was achieved.'
Architect:
ingenhoven architects international gmbh & co. kg
Düsseldorf, Alte Landstrasse 404
8708 Männedorf, Switzerland,
Phone +41 [0]43 843 30 80
www.ingenhovenarchitects.com
Zweigniederlassung Männedorf
Completion Date: July 2010
Gross square footage: 204,000 square feet
Total construction cost: $63 million
PeopleOwner: DSC (Daniel Swarovski Corporation) Architect: Personnel in architect's firm who should receive special credit: Architect of record: Christoph Ingenhoven Associate architect(s): Thomas Höxtermann Interior designer: ingenhoven architects Engineer(s): Concept & Controlling:Thomas Baumgartner & Partner, Dübendorf, Switzerland Mechanical: Grünberg & Partner, Zürich, Switzerland Electrical: Bühler & Scherler, St. Gallen, Switzerland Consultant(s): Lighting: Tropp lighting, Weilheim, Germany Acoustical: Mühlebach & Partner, St. Gallen, Switzerland Other: General contractor: Photographer(s): Renderer(s): CAD system, project management, or other software used: Microstation, Bentley, Office Tools |
ProductsStructural system Manufacturer of any structural components unique to this project: Exterior cladding Windows josef gartner, Gundelfingen, Germany Doors Entrances: Metal doors: Fire-control doors, security grilles: Hardware Closers: Exit devices: Pulls: Security devices: Interior finishes Suspension grid: Demountable partitions: Kitchen: Millwork: Paints and stains: Wall coverings: Paneling: Solid surfacing: Special surfacing: Resilient flooring: Carpet: Raised flooring: Furnishings Reception furniture: Fixed seating: Chairs: Tables: Upholstery: Other furniture: Lighting Downlights: Exterior: Conveyance Plumbing |
