This thesis proposes an alternative reality for the consolidation and expansion of the HIL. It fundamentally opposes the thought that a centralized, massive institution is the best way to teach architecture. Instead of expanding on the existing mass it looks outwards, scattering the department onto two vacant lots while keeping the HIL as a central hub.
The community centre Sonnhalde, Adlikon serves as a small-scale experiment. A short time frame of occupation of approximately five years keeps institutional cycles small and organisational power in the hands of users. This self-organisation is strengthened by the introduction of kinetic walls mounted to the existing beams. Together with local users taking back space over time, this creates a constantly changing environment within a solid but adaptable framework.
To improve the outwards image of the run-down building, re-used granite panels from the Quadro Towers are hung in a scale like fashion onto the concrete walls. Thus starting the „Material Rochade“.
The office towers in Leutschenbach act within a different timeframe. Serving as a permanent alternative to the densification of the Hönngerberg. Opening up the facade on the ground floor by removing the seamless, polished granite facade and donating the valuable material to the Sonnhalde brings the building closer to the values of the department. The adaptable framework in combination with some precise interventions, like the cutting of floors to make space for lecture halls and the addition of a large sun shield to adapt the urban form, create structure in which teaching practices can change and evolve. For the new parts of the facade, cladding from the to be demolished workshop in Regensdorf is reused.
This not only closes the „Material Rochade“ but also ties into the exchange stories, memories and authorship that comes from having a diverse set of teaching locations with diverse characteristics.