Urben Seyboth AG (Zürich)

The neighborhood "de Perolles" is characterized by heterogeneous structures and buildings and is in a state of great change. The location of the museum plays a special role in this area. The setting of the volume and the design of the environment try to take this into account. The museum building mediates between the heights of the low old building, the crib and the larger new buildings and at the same time marks the end of the area "Les Arsenaux". The location of the new building creates both an urban forecourt on the Route des Arsenaux and an intimate, green outdoor space on the Boulevard des Gleisbett. The landscaping mediates between the two levels and creates a bridge between the two neighborhoods.

The museum building appears as a simple contemporary counterpart to the landmarked old building. On the Route des Arsenaux, it presents itself as a self-confident solitaire and a striking urban symbol. Looking at the green boulevard of the track bed, the crib and the one-story part of the old building turns out to be a restrained two-story volume. Externally, the listed old building remains untouched by interventions. Old and new buildings are structurally and programmatically connected on the first floor. Individual skylights and three staircases with openings make the connection between the two buildings and the various program sections tangible for the museum visitor.

The façade design of textured exposed concrete with earth tones is based on the warmly rendered façade of the old building and references the theme of the Museum of Natural History. Inside, the warm tone of the colored exposed concrete creates a calm and natural background for all exhibits. The colors, fabrics and materials used design a museum that, together with its exhibits, is meant to unfold its magic in the real and tangible.