Swiss Radio and Television SRF has embarked on a process of consolidation, centralizing its operations. In this context, a former garage wing in Leutschenbach was repurposed into a "Radio Hall" following the rejection of plans for a new building on the same site. Careful interventions transformed the existing structure into a workspace for approximately 220 employees across two floors, meeting all the contemporary requirements for radio and multimedia production. Additionally, a live stage was installed.
The original concrete structure, dating back to 1967, underwent minimal changes over the years. Notably, the expansive open space in the center, measuring 17.5 meters wide and 4 meters high, posed a unique challenge due to the structural divisions imposed by 18-meter-long beams on the second floor. Analyzing the spatial needs of various workgroups and production areas, along with multiple space program scenarios, facilitated the harmonious alignment of client preferences with acoustic, structural, and technical requirements.
Strategic removal of roof and façade elements allowed for enhanced daylight penetration, complemented by internal insulation upgrades and window and door replacements to ensure modern office climate standards. The internal architecture preserves the original structural elements, with ventilation and heating/cooling systems added.
The ground floor retains its hall-like quality, while designated production and broadcasting areas are enclosed as room-in-room structures, facilitating a flexible division into smaller work zones. Transparency fosters a sense of community and connectivity within the workspace, enhanced by three atriums providing ample daylight and spatial continuity with the upper floor. Workstations are predominantly located along longitudinal façades, benefiting from side lighting.
The adjoining two-storey break area, is located near the stairwell. An inner courtyard on the upper level serves as an outdoor meeting point. The over-height room in the southern section doubles as a live stage, equipped with event technology, separate access, and reception facilities, and large openings enabling events and concerts for up to 300 attendees.
Date: 2018-2022
Location: Fernsehstrasse 1-4, Zürich
Client: SRF, Swiss Radio and Television
Program: Open space workplaces with meeting rooms and production rooms, inner courtyard, live stage with corresponding adjoining rooms, dressing rooms
Floor area: 4,418 m²
Construction management, site supervision and cost management: b+p baurealisation, Zürich
Room acoustics: Gartenmann Engineering AG
Building acoustics: Gartenmann Engineering AG
Lighting: Reflexion AG, Zürich
Signage: Lengsfeld Design AG, Basel
