New Headquarters of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Geneva (CH)

The authors respond to the programme with a single form, a host structure, which is exposed, by a completely transparent, even dematerialised skin.

INSERTION INTO THE SITE

The project proposes a response appropriate to the plot and to its neighbouring building, in the form of an elegant diamond-shaped structure that seems to emerge from the ground, with an inside mesh structure supporting a façade entirely of glass, like a hanging curtain.

ORGANIZATION OF THE PROGRAMME

The entrance area is very fluid and offers easy access to the conference centre for delegates, and clear access ways to the office floors for staff. According to the images provided, the workspace is very luminous and airy, but in reality would be somewhat inefficient, considering layout plans that propose workstations in the central area with no direct view on the outside and which, under Swiss legislation, are not suitable for use as a permanent workspaces. The ramp system at the edge of the layout improves communication between floors, but adds complexity and reduces the flexibility of the layout. Besides the distinctive shape that seems to rest on a narrow base, the jury especially appreciates the project for its decision and endeavour to minimize the above-ground volume by developing a part of the programme on three basement levels.

The base of the structure is connected to the accesses and the public area, and comprises two levels that extend and interrelate such that they fluidly absorb the slope of the land. While offering a façade and an extensive visual relationship with the outside, the conference rooms are topped by an entirely constructed and designed landscape. This will necessitate considerable excavation in the vicinity of the area vital to the three oak trees. The conference centre is thus located below ground, with access lobbies and functional areas having natural light and views on the outside. It is covered by a sloping, greened roof that connects to the base of the tower in a very complicated manner.

STRUCTURAL CONCEPT

The project envisages the construction of a building (R+9) with two basement levels. The bottom of the excavation (-2) is about 4 meters below the level of the existing basement. The project has on a basement made of recycled reinforced concrete, on which the cores rest, themselves also of recycled reinforced concrete. The remainder of the structure is made of wood (columns and floors) with a reinforced concrete compression slab. The project envisages limited interaction with the corner of car park, as the core of the building impinges somewhat on the car park’s footprint. This configuration will not interfere with the functioning of the car park, as traffic flows are not affected. It should be emphasized nonetheless that the building of the foundations of the core could be difficult, in relation to the pre-existing structures above and below ground.

OUTDOOR FACILITIES

The transparency and lightness of this glazed diamond-shaped structure resting on a large base render the night-time image of the project captivating. However, this large base seems to be «the price to pay» to have this sleek silhouette in the landscape of the international district. The foundation and basements are extremely invasive, with the result that the plot is being extensively remodelled and built up. The fate of the three long-standing oak trees is highly uncertain, and the bocage system that is emblematic of the Jardin des Nations, and of which they form part, is being permanently disrupted.

CONCLUSION

The jury — and the IOM in particular — appreciate the building’s image of openness, conveyed by a sleek and streamlined tower, its positioning in relation to the neighbouring building, as well as the elegant entrance area and the conference centre. The overall composition strikes a balance between monumentality and integration into the context. However, the distinctive, crown-like structure offering flexibility and continuous circulation, seems unrealistic, as it leaves many areas without support. Despite a commendable effort to mitigate the impact on the site, the project is among those that call for derogations or adaptations that are much too extensive in terms of height or distance from the boundaries, to be considered feasible. As regards the façade entirely of glass, besides generating considerable grey energy consumption, it does not seem to offer optimal protection when it comes to the glare, the heat and the view. Its technical complexity, as a «ventilated active façade», appears fragile, not very durable and therefore hard to maintain.