The need for seduction through a language of display links department stores and museums. Within them, each exhibited product becomes an object of desire, and walking is the preferred means to apprehend such desirable objects. A slow dance begins between two bodies—the dynamic body of the visitor or consumer and the static body of the object of consumption. more

This competition project for a new department store situated on the outskirts of Zurich attempted to express this dance. A ramp ascends in a random manner and intersects with all parts of the building. Like a long vector of movement, the ramp activates the building, defining intensity and areas of use. It is the “main street” of the Polis, open at late hours, as well as the route of the New. All new products are displayed along the ramp. Major night activities are located along the ramp and at the top of the new building. Roll-down gates and sliding glass partitions can separate the night section from the day section. The ramp is visible from inside through the large interior court, as well as from outside, where it pierces through the glass skin and through the advertising screen of the building.

The ramp occasionally intersects the envelope of the building and appears as a volume on the exterior. The envelope is made out of changing electronic signage integrated into layers of printed glass. back

Credits

SCHEDULE
Competition 1995
CLIENT
K-Polis department store
TEAM
Lead Designer: Bernard Tschumi. Key Personnel: Gregory Merryweather, Niels Roelfs, Ruth Berktold, Tom Kowalski, Mark Haukos, Kevin Collins back

Program: Public Buildings