Inspiring Interiors #4
This week's Inspiring Interiors takes a look at The Cocoon; an innovative office building in Zurich, Switzerland.
The Cocoon is an office building located in Zurichs Seefeld district, designed as part of a project by Camenzind Evolution for Swiss Life. The planning for this innovative project began in September 2004, with construction beginning in February 2006 and ending in September 2007. While the exterior of the building is certainly eye-catching, it is arguably its interior that is most striking
Materials
With a reinforced steel concrete construction, this earthquake-proof building was designed using Finite-Elements-Programme to create a three-dimensional model.
The core structure supports six pillars which face outwards at three different inclining angles of 94, 98 and 105 degrees, which go through the ceiling beams and provide support for the ceiling slabs. The building is also adorned with glass walls and large windows, helping to create a light and airy feel inside, while also saving electricity by reducing the necessity for artificial light and helping to preserve electricity.
Costs
Cocoon cost 11 million Swiss Francs in total, which is equivalent to £7.3 million.
Colour Scheme
The interior uses neutral whites and creams, with red furniture and the spiral staircase is lined in black for a somewhat minimalist feel; despite the prominence of the spiral centrepiece.
Theme
The building incorporates a series of eight elliptical segments which are stepped to allow access to the different levels, which are arranged adjacent to a gentle ramp surrounding the naturally lit atrium. The segments incline continuously at approximately 40cm until a new level is created, of which there 25.
Instead of packing employees into small cubicles, the unique building allows them to work either together or independently. The glass walls offer both a refreshing openness with a stunning view of Zurich, and impressive sound-proofing.
In addition to the abundant natural light, the Cocoon uses an air-source heat pump system to provide environmentally-friendly heating and cooling for a low carbon footprint.
The Cocoon was designed to eliminate barriers of communication, and does so with aplomb, although some may find the odd shape and non-uniformity a little disconcerting. Indeed, there are officially 25 floors, but because of the odd-shape are there really 25 floors, or just a bunch of randomly-sized segments?
Yet the beautiful views, light and airy atmosphere, and impressive use of space dispel any initial concerns one may have about practicality are dispelled. The fact that Cocoon was shortlisted for the World Architecture Award in 2008, and won the RIBA International Award in 2009 is certainly testament to how well-designed the building is.
