The Architects aimed to use
the steeply sloping site to
create the impression of a
building that emerged from
the ground
On the northern perimeter, the building
follows the straight boundary line resulting in a
wide strip of office space that is very efficient
and flexible. This space is nearly 20m wide and
makes for ideal open plan office space without
compromising natural light. Peeling away from
the northern wing of the building is a sweeping
curve that follows the southern boundary and
street edge. This curve culminates in a floating
feature glass-and-aluminium ‘box’ that hovers
above the grand staircase.
Joining the two wings at the heart of the
building is a triple-volume atrium that is flooded
with natural light and serves as the central
Novartis
vertical circulation and service core of the
building. The atrium creates a visual connection
between all levels and is a great meeting place
where staff can interact. Two panoramic glass
elevators form one of the main features of the
atrium. They are framed with aluminium slats
and feature LED lights that form a portal around
the open walkways that connect the building on
higher levels.
In front of the open walkways are simple and
elegant glass balustrades. Behind the walkways
is a feature timber wall that carries through all
the floors and forms a tree pattern that makes
reference to the building’s local context.
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