Richter Center / ZDA – Zoboki Design and Architecture

Iconic appearance and interior design – The façade reflects the two fundamental elements of research and development: invention and strict regulation. Each element is part of a rule-based system, yet they all take on unique forms. Viewed from a distance, the building appears as a unified work of art, while up close, the creativity and precision in the fine details are revealed. The louvers forming the undulating façade are all unique, yet they follow a uniform rule set, providing aesthetic and structural coherence. Achieving these virtuoso forms necessitated a new type of parametric tool-based collaboration between architects and engineers. Undulating forms run through both the interior and the exterior spaces. This sense of flow is also reflected in the grand central space of the building: with the virtuoso stair structures it not only serves circulation but it is also a place for communication and meetings. Overcoming design and construction challenges – Creating the expansive communal spaces required the development of several large-span structures, which were challenging from a structural perspective. The building’s steel beams and glass pillars are of such dimensions that they required special technology to implement. Additionally, various technical challenges had to be overcome in terms of sustainability, such as the heat absorbed by large surfaces. Special and precise design was essential to ensure ideal and humane interior comfort.