A new commercial building designed by BS•EMI Architektenpartner has been completed in Zurich, Switzerland, demonstrating how urban commercial spaces can be efficiently utilized through vertical development. The six-and-a-half-story structure at Flüelastraße 16 houses diverse businesses including exhibition construction, photo and video production, coffee bean processing, and ceramic design, alongside violin making and coffee roasting operations.
The project was commissioned by Stiftung PWG, a non-profit public foundation of the City of Zurich that aims to preserve and create affordable residential and commercial spaces. The foundation, which now has its headquarters in the new building, successfully achieved its goal of providing cost-effective workspace solutions. BS•EMI Architektenpartner secured the commission through a competition held in 2019.
Located in the Letzi district west of Zurich's city center, the building replaces a smaller predecessor and serves as a corner structure that helps define a closed block perimeter. The area is currently experiencing significant development with numerous housing and commercial projects, many of which are also operated by non-profit organizations. The new structure contributes to this urban densification effort by maximizing the use of available land.
The building's design incorporates four freely rentable commercial floors beneath the foundation's offices on the upper levels. These commercial spaces can be divided into units ranging from approximately 650 to 5,000 square feet, providing flexibility for various business needs. A distinctive feature is the fourth floor, which was constructed with one-and-a-half times the standard height, enabling space-intensive activities and allowing for the installation of galleries and mezzanine levels.
Constructed as a reinforced concrete skeleton frame, the building features self-supporting single-leaf masonry infill walls. Nearly floor-to-ceiling windows bring abundant natural light into the robustly materialized interior spaces. The lower floors benefit from outdoor access through wraparound balconies, while office users have access to a roof terrace designed by Ganz Landschaftsarchitekten.
Special attention was paid to the building's corner location, particularly in designing the front facade. The interplay of shed structures with a spiral staircase and tensioned balconies creates a dynamic, constructivist-inspired aesthetic. This architectural approach reflects the building's industrial and creative functions while contributing to the neighborhood's evolving character.
The project represents a model for urban commercial development that prioritizes affordability and community benefit over profit maximization. By building vertically rather than horizontally, the development makes efficient use of urban land while providing workspace for traditional crafts like violin making alongside modern businesses such as coffee roasting operations.
