This project focused on the combination of new and old elements of zurichness. The GAN image is generated by a mixed dataset of traditional and modern buildings in Zürich, which results in a more unconventional result compared to the rest, showing the characteristics both from modern buildings and traditional ones. In the GAN image, the zurichness is shown through the repetition of the facade, both horizontally and vertically, and also the harmony between the glazing of the modern and the visual weight of the traditional buildings, in terms of materiality, form and function.
For the design proposal, the main focus lay on the columns. Firstly, in terms of function, due to the narrow and long shape of the site, a light well helps with introducing natural light into the houses and also benefits the ventilation. Secondly, instead of a dark staircase, a combination of the atrium and stairs not only saves space and energy, but also enables encounters between inhabitants. As the ground floor is a boutique florist, the atrium also works as a showcase for the florist.
In terms of the design for the facade, the parametric columns imitate the GAN images and create a sense of raw stones, which brings a feeling of nature to the building. As for the materials, the exterior facade uses precast concrete.The precast concrete will be installed as a cladding to the exterior wall. On the interior, a polished and coloured concrete is used for flooring and ceilings.