Winterthur

In the historic centre of Winterthur, a formerly closed-off police station is to be opened up to the public.

The materiality of the proposal traces the historical identity of the old town: local sandstone, characteristic of the narrow streets surrounding, differentiates in uses. Past traces, waterways of former times, are reintroduced into the courtyard and framed by vegetation. More recent existing structures are reinterpreted in new ways: police carports become pergolas and pavilions. With respect to the archaeological heritage beneath the ground, existing foundations of the carports are used to plant new large trees, providing generous canopy while avoiding major excavations for the roots.

Subtle markings in the ground indicate the transition between areas of movement, recreation and appropriation for the community as a whole. The different handling of the stone gives residents and visitors orientation without strict boundaries, an interface for dialog. Private gardens visually reconnect with the central courtyard, towards a spaciousness and openness of the public neighbourhood.


Team: @studiopass.ch
@ofreia_architecture
@studio.encontrar
@bergmeisteringenieure