Vacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects

Vacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects

Vacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects - Table, ChairVacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects - FacadeVacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects - ColumnVacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects - Image 10 of 28Vacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects - More Images+ 23

  • Lead Designer: Bernard Tschumi
  • BTA: Paul-Arthur Heller, Clinton Peterson, Nicolas Grillet, Pierre-Yves Kuhn, Joel Rutten
  • BTUA: Véronique Descharrières, Rémy Cointet, Emmanuel Desmazières
  • Local Architect: Atelier d’architecture Glauco Lombardi
  • HVAC: Amstein + Walthert AG
  • Worker Safety: Securiconcept
  • Accessibility: Securiconcept
  • Façades: BCS SA
  • City: Geneva
  • Country: Switzerland
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Vacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects - Facade
© Peter Mauss

Text description provided by the architects. The Vacheron Constantin Headquarters and Manufacturing Center, designed and built by Bernard Tschumi Architects (2001-2005), required additional facilities so as to meet the manufacturer’s increasing demands for state-of-the-art watch production. Although the new program is more than double the size of the original four-story building situated on the outskirts of Geneva, the client insisted on preserving the building’s iconic and symbolic presence.

Vacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects - Facade, Windows
© Peter Mauss
Vacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects - Image 28 of 28
Sketch
Vacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects - Facade
© Peter Mauss

The new building is located so as to open a cone of vision toward the flagship building. Since other construction is anticipated, the architects conceived of a campus in which all the buildings differ in configuration, but appear to belong to the same structural family. 

Vacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects - Table, Chair, Windows
© Peter Mauss
Vacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects - Image 24 of 28
Plan 1
Vacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects - Column
© Peter Mauss

The manufacturing spaces have been oriented on the north side of the new building so as to achieve the best natural light for the skilled watchmakers, with skylights providing comfortable working conditions. A large restaurant opens onto a generous lawn. A ground-level service court allows for truck deliveries, while the car park and small delivery depot occupy the basement level. 

Vacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects - Windows, Facade, Courtyard
© Peter Mauss
Vacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects - Image 10 of 28
© Peter Mauss

The concept of a curved metal envelope acting as a common denominator for both manufacturing and management, blue- and white-collar workers, was the starting point for the original building. For the extension, the architects developed a two-story variation on the original roof and installed 15,000 square feet (1500 m2) of continuous solar panels for energy conservation and efficiency. 

Vacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects - Lighting, Windows, Facade
© Peter Mauss

A key feature of the extension is a spectacular glazed stepped ramp that serves as a vestibule and leads to the watchmakers’ changing rooms. The ramp provides an articulation between the original and new buildings.

Vacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects - Facade
© Peter Mauss

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Project location

Address:Geneva, Switzerland

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Vacheron Constantin / Bernard Tschumi Architects" 14 Sep 2016. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/795193/vacheron-constantin-bernard-tschumi-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

© Peter Mauss

江诗丹顿总部 / Bernard Tschumi Architects

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