The sweeping curve of the
southern boundary was
used to create a feature that
contrasted with what was
viewed as an otherwise
rectilinear building
prominent. Firstly the significant slope across
the site. And secondly the sweeping curve
of the southern boundary as it followed the
street edge.
The Architects aimed to use the steeply
sloping site to create the impression of a
building that emerged from the ground rooted on the high side and floating on the
low side. Of course, a floating building also
needs to connect to the street if it is going to
respond to its context and integrate itself into
the City. In the end, this challenge turned into
one of the great opportunities and attributes
of the building, which was a grand staircase
34
that linked an elevated ground-floor platform
with a falling site. The staircase not only
merged the building with its surroundings but
also ensured a healthy response to the street
by blurring the lines between private and
public space.
By placing the building on a podium it also
resulted in a powerful presence for the building
which further reinforced the brief to create a
strong identity for the tenant.
The sweeping curve of the southern
boundary was used to create a feature that
contrasted with what was viewed as an
otherwise rectilinear building.
Novartis