Maag site

The Prime Tower at the Hardbrücke traffic junction in Zurich West is still the most visible witness to the transformation of the Maag site from an industrial location to a mixed-use neighborhood.

In the further development of the neighboring building sites, the aim was to respect the 'genius loci' of the existing buildings and at the same time to create a lively place that would also be able to cope with future usage demands. The three solitary buildings proposed within the framework of a study commission - a residential tower, a new cultural center and a listed industrial building - create a neighborhood square that invites visitors to linger, but also serves as a link and distributor for the for non-motorized traffic to and from the Hardbrücke train station.

The densification of greenery planned for the entire area will be taken up around the entire subarea. The new neighborhood plaza will be planted with a grove of native tree species whose green canopy will significantly improve the microclimate and quality of stay. The trees grow on a continuous plaza surface with infiltrative pavement that creates a water-retaining layer above the underground parking. The cooling shade of the trees lends itself to a variety of uses. In contrast to the extensive green roof on the historic building, the roof of the residential tower will be planted with dense vegetation. This will create another semi-public outdoor space in the shade of trees, which will also serve as a visual screen from the much taller Prime Tower.

Visualizations ©Sauerbruch Hutton

Client
  • Swiss Prime Site Immobilien
Project Data
  • Study assignment 2019
  • Project planning and realization 2021-2025
Project Team
  • Sauerbruch Hutton
  • Itten + Brechbühl AG
  • Amstein + Walthert AG
Year
2019
Location
Zürich

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