Law firm
Back to Projects list- Location
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Year
- 2012
- Client
- Schellenberg Wittmer
winner
The project to transform the first floor of the building where the Schellenberg Wittmer law firm is located, seeks to accentuate the natural light that travels to the heart of the building. The project also alludes to openings, spatial continuity and exchanges within a large plateau of offices. The dimensional character of the building becomes highly distinctive, and bestows the occupants with natural notions of transparency and depth of vision.
From a starting point of imperative constraints related to the building’s structure, service facilities and existing technical aspects, the proposal is to develop an “undulating” glass skin between the offices and hallway. From this “wall of light” emanate partitions for the different spaces required. There are offices for one or two people. The “partner” offices are located at the end of the plateau. The whole thing is modulated according to the existing frame. To facilitate the operations typical to the legal profession, the secretarial offices are optimally placed, either close to the filing system, or opposite the reception hall in the centre of the plateau.
The glass for the walls is designed and treated by a progressive sanding effect to permit the flow of light, from the facade to the hallways, while at the same time providing privacy and allowing the office occupants to concentrate. This technique, which affects the glass’ transparency may, where appropriate, benefit from an artistic intervention for the final design. The reflections of the workstations in the slightly “folded” glass will animate the path around the floor in a fluidity and continuity of materials. These materials will be in the form of synthetic, “carpet”-style floor coverings, office separation walls in painted plaster, built-in wooden furniture and smooth ceilings, in white or metallic paint, for the corridor.
An analysis of fire safety constraints related has led to a review of the overall floor concept, and the removal of the intermediate fire doors in the circulation space. The overall effect is more spatially fluid and visually "stretched" over the entire length of the plateau.