Patio Plaza

Project description

The building complex is situated in the immediate vicinity not only of the main access roads to the city but also of Geneva Cointrin airport - at the heart of a colourful, lively part of the city with residential housing, various small and medium-sized companies and a number of shopping centres. The Patio Plaza was built to accommodate companies whose activities are consistent with the development of the urban industrial structure, which mainly focuses on the development of innovative technologies.

The spatial limits, the site chosen on the plot of land, were determined by the development plan and defined the main features of this clearly structured building with a total area of 4000 m2 covering three floors.

Four courtyards ("patio" = courtyard), designed as gardens and constituting the centres of the extensive building, ensure that the area is flooded with natural light. The architectural challenge was to have rooms and connecting passages benefit as much as possible from these unique structural features.

The facades consist of elements arranged in grid formation, in the strict geometry of which glass and aluminium plates are integrated in seemingly random order. This interchangeable combination can be used to realise building programs which have to do equal justice to changing requirements as regards heating technology and specific lighting conditions. At the same time, this was the best solution for an alternative building concept guaranteeing compliance with architectural and technical specifications.

Shutters opening inwards facilitate better ventilation. Some of these shutters are painted red, giving the building - supported by the surrounding illuminated advertising - additional charisma.

The same applies to the entrance. Avoiding scenic effect, the designers deliberately restricted it to a simple door at one corner of the building - aware that the contrast between the imposing façade and the understated entrance would reinforce the power of expression unique to the Patio Plaza.