After winning the international architectural design competition, Stuttgart based wittfoht architekten were commissioned to build the extension of the World Trade Organization headquarters in Geneva. The new administrative building, integrated into the site, creates a feeling of openness and transparency.

Urban Planning Concept

The site is situated in an unusual location mixing both, city and lake surroundings. The lakeside wooden park incorporating the existing group of WTO buildings is a key determining factor in the project. The new building complements and completes the overall urban setting with its existing building ensemble. It responds to the cramped conditions in the southern part of the site while integrating the existing necessary and functional constraints. It maintains a respectful distance from the old buildings and creates a high-quality outdoor area between the two structures. A balanced, well-proportioned overall picture presents itself, which is enriched by a dialogue between old and new.

Architectural Concept

The dimensions of the extension are limited to the former car park, meaning the existing trees on the site could remain in place and no additional areas had to be sealed off for construction. Visitors are led from the main gate through the old building, over a spacious footbridge and directly into the main lobby in the extension. From here, all areas of the new building can be accessed. The new building is essentially divided into two sections – the base structure at ground level and the glass structure suspended above. Thanks to this division, the actual dimensions appear smaller and are playfully incorporated into the park area. The building appearance is defined by openness and transparency.

The earth-bound base zone is home to mass catering facilities. The roof of the base structure is designed as an accessible wooden deck, welcoming visitors to use it as a viewing platform. A terrace at the front expands the restaurant towards the lake. The floating, crystalline volume above houses the administration and office areas. The allocation of areas within the building creates spaces for informal meetings and conversations. The office floors offer high flexibly organization. Many office organizations are possible – from classical single offices to combined areas and open-plan workspaces. The façade has a modular design and supports the required flexibility of the building. Dividing walls can be positioned freely within the building plan. All workstations have an ample supply of daylight and pleasant links to the outdoors. The building core and infrastructural facilities are located in the center of the building, thus making it easy for visitors to find their way around. Additional flights of spiral stairs help to promote internal communication between floors.

Economic and Ecological Aspects

The energy and ventilation concept adheres to the applicable minergie-p standards. Due to noise protection requirements and the strong lakeside winds, the glass front of the office floors was designed as a double façade, which also allows for natural ventilation. Additionally, the trees on the east, south and west side also offer natural shade in summer.

Lighting of the individual areas is made according to the spatial requirements. To improve artificial lighting efficiency, floor-standing luminaries with electric ballasts and motion detectors are used around the workstations.

At the 2016 AAP American Architecture Prize wittfoht architekten were awarded in the category Architectural Design / Institutional Architecture for World Trade Organization.

Data

Year: 2013

Client: World Trade Organization

Architects: wittfoht architekten bda

Structural engineering: Schlaich Bergermann und Partner GmbH

Energy engineering: Transsolar Energietechnik GmbH

Domestic engineering: Weinmann energies sa

Electrical engineering: mab ingénierie sa

Structural physics: Bobran Ingenieure

General contractor: Implenia entreprise générale sa

Photographer: Brigida González Fotografie

Gross floor area: 14.500 square meters

Gross volume: 56.800 cubic meters 

Competition: 2009 – 1^st prize

Construction period: 01/2011 – 07/2013

Façade: Félix Sa, Wicona, Glas Trösch

Flooring: Mafi, Interface

Sun screen: Warema

Lighting: Nimbus, Sattler, Hüttners, Bega, Zumtobel, Luceplan, Foscarini

Furniture: Lammhults, Fritz Hansen, Hussl, Arper, Wilkhahn, Dynamobel

Textile: Kvadrat

Sanitary fittings: Duravit, Villeroy&Boch

Tapware: Vola

About

Stuttgart based architectural studio wittfoht architekten was founded in 2005 by Jens Wittfoht. The range of services comprises very different building assignments, from new buildings to reconstructions and re-interpretations of listed landmarks. Our projects are always individual solutions deducted from the prevalent local and content specificalities and developed in dialogue with our public and private awarding authorities.

We are convinced that architecture is more than only fulfilling spatial programmes, going far beyond the merely technical, constructive, deadline-oriented and economical handling. There is an obvious connection between the inner construction of a building, its expression in the public space, and the standpoint it occupies with regard to societal coexistence. For us, architecture is first of all a thought process and not a formal statement.