Renowned architect Santiago Calatrava has completed Haus zum Falken, a groundbreaking mixed-use building in Zurich that revitalizes the historic Stadelhofen Station area. Located at the eastern edge of Stadelhofer Platz, this innovative project fills a crucial architectural gap beside the historic main station building while introducing a public square, a massive underground bicycle facility, and luminous interior spaces that transform the urban landscape.
The development represents a continuation of Calatrava's deep connection to this area, which began in the 1980s when he designed the adjacent Stadelhofen Station. "The area around the Haus zum Falken is very familiar to me, as I was involved in the construction of the Stadelhofen Station here for eight years," Calatrava recalls. "That was followed by seven more stations that I had the opportunity to build in various locations."
Calatrava describes Haus zum Falken as "an artistic event in the city," and the building's most striking feature certainly supports this claim. The glass facade undulates dramatically across five levels, with vertical profiles and reflections that continuously shift light and movement throughout the day. The building's articulated cornice and folded geometry create a dynamic presence that transforms with changing light conditions, making it a constantly evolving visual experience for passersby.
The project plays a crucial role in redefining Stadelhofen's urban landscape by anchoring the east end of Stadelhofer Platz and completing a network of connected public spaces that stretch from Lake Zurich to the Opera House and Sechseläutenplatz. Working in harmony with the Olivenbaum building to the west, Haus zum Falken frames the historic station structure. A recessed ground floor creates Falkensteg Square, an open public area defined by the existing stair bridge that connects the station to the neighborhood above.
On Kreuzbühlstrasse, the building's eastern edge introduces a small forecourt lined with greenery, offering spectacular views toward Zurich's iconic Grossmünster towers. This thoughtful integration of green spaces and sight lines demonstrates Calatrava's commitment to enhancing the pedestrian experience while respecting the city's historic character.
One of the project's most ambitious and technically challenging components lies entirely beneath the surface. In response to the City of Zurich's initiative to reorganize bicycle traffic and promote sustainable transportation, Calatrava integrated a sophisticated underground bicycle station with capacity for more than 800 bikes. This three-level facility effectively frees Stadelhofer Platz from unsightly open-air parking, returning the surface area to pedestrians and urban greenery.
Building this subterranean structure in the tight, waterlogged site presented major technical challenges that required innovative engineering solutions. The project team ultimately resolved these issues through an intricate foundation system and comprehensive waterproofing strategy. Now complete, the subterranean complex stands as a critical piece of Zurich's sustainable mobility network, supporting the city's goals for environmentally friendly transportation.
The building's interior spaces are equally impressive, featuring light-filled areas designed for maximum flexibility and visual appeal. A four-story atrium and sculptural staircase form the spatial heart of the building, hosting a sinuous interior volume that echoes the dynamic nature of the exterior facade. The upper floors are conceived as column-free rental spaces, making them adaptable to varied commercial and office uses.
Large windows throughout the building frame stunning views toward the promenade and the city beyond, while the dense rhythm of the facade creates a sense of privacy within the interior spaces. The stone plinth of the structure extends material dialogues with Zurich's traditional facades along Bahnhofstrasse, with slender stone pillars marking the entrances and the facade above transitioning seamlessly to glass and metal.
Environmental performance was a key priority throughout the design and construction process. The building meets rigorous environmental standards, achieving LEED Gold certification and exceeding Minergie-P benchmarks. A photovoltaic roof generates clean, on-site energy, while the building envelope is carefully optimized for both thermal and acoustic performance. Despite trams and trains running just meters away, interior noise remains minimal thanks to advanced sound insulation techniques.
The attention to detail extends to the interior finishes, where wood and gold-toned materials complete the double-height foyer. These warm finishes echo the rhythm of the exterior facade while creating a luminous, welcoming space for visitors arriving from both Stadelhofer Platz and the elevated promenade. The result is a building that successfully balances artistic vision with practical functionality, creating a new landmark that enhances Zurich's architectural heritage while supporting its sustainable future.
