The perception of an architect’s role

BG: First and foremost, I think Switzerland provides an easier starting point for architects. Competitions here actively encourage young architects to step forward and showcase their ideas. Additionally, the climate crisis and increasing global awareness play a significant role in shaping this outlook. People in Switzerland understand that architects can make meaningful contributions to addressing these pressing challenges, seeing architecture as a powerful tool for driving change. They often ask themselves, ‘What can I do to make a difference?’

EB: In Switzerland, the government places a strong emphasis on providing housing and public infrastructure. This focus results in a high number of public projects, creating numerous competitions and open calls. Architects have ample opportunities to engage in these initiatives.

BG: Additionally, there’s a strong sense of community. People are aware that they can actively participate in decisions affecting their neighbourhoods or cities. Architecture is widely regarded as a tool for enhancing quality of life. Moreover, there’s open and consistent communication between all stakeholders—residents, the government, and architects—which plays a crucial role in the process.

Navigating constraints with creativity

EB: The primary focus for Swiss architects today revolves around climate and energy issues. These concerns are at the heart of every competition and project, emphasising material reuse, working with existing structures, and exploring innovative or traditional techniques. Sustainability has become the defining challenge of our time, and it’s no longer something we can overlook. Much of this momentum comes from clients, particularly from public entities. In Switzerland, competitions come with strict guidelines on energy efficiency and material choices, compelling architects to deeply integrate sustainability into their designs.

BG: It's a highly technical process, yet there’s still plenty of room for experimentation. The key is to stay mindful of these challenges and continue exploring new ideas, even if the solutions aren’t perfect. The focus is on using the right materials in the right way, which demands close collaboration with engineers and other experts. Technology is advancing so rapidly that, by the time a project is completed, the methods used may already feel outdated. However, what truly matters is to keep pushing boundaries, adapting, and learning from each experience

A triptych focus: telling of a story, nature, and joy

BG: Our project for the new town hall in Meyrin embodies themes that are important for us: the construction of a narrative, the connection with nature, careful observation of the territory, and an approach guided by imagination, instinct, fantasy, and joy.

EB: Every project begins with a story to tell, rooted in the understanding of a place. By examining its history, geography, and identity, we uncover narratives that reflect the specificity of a territory. 

BG: For us, nature is not just a backdrop but a vital partner in architecture. 

EB: Careful observation is the foundation of storytelling in architecture. By noticing the unexpected in places, encounters, and objects, we allow overlapping images and impressions to unconsciously shape the project. This layering of experiences and visuals informs and enriches the design process.

BG: Imagination, instinct, and curiosity are essential to discovering beauty in architecture. It’s truly a process of trial and error, constant reworking, and openness to fantasy, poetry, and joy lead to spaces that are unique and vibrant. Avoiding generic solutions and embracing diversity, heterogeneity, and discontinuity ensure the architecture responds uniquely to its context.

EB: And we should never forget that, at its core, architecture relies on timeless principles: space, light, proportions, geometry, composition, materials, structure, construction, ornament, and atmosphere. These elements ground every project, ensuring it resonates with beauty, functionality, and meaning.

From debate to decision

BG: The new town hall in Meyrin has sparked some debate within the community. The color of the building, in particular, became a polemic topic, with people asking, ‘Do you like the new city hall?’ ‘What do you think of the color?’ The feedback was intense, especially on social media, and it has now led to a vote on the color of the building itself by the population. It’s an unusual situation, but one we have to deal with.

EB: The upside is that people will feel involved in the decision. The town hall has been in the planning stages for 20 or 30 years, and now locals get to choose the colour, and this decision will strengthen their connection to it.

BG: People will say, ‘I voted for this.’ And the architects will be forgotten—but that's okay. I think this kind of inclusion ultimately adds value.

EB: Even if the vote is ‘negative’ for us, it’s an opportunity to rethink the project. Sometimes the initial design isn’t the right answer, and a negative vote can prompt us to find a better solution.

Architecture beyond trends

BG: We don’t aim to stand out for the sake of being unique. Instead of asking, ‘What will make us different?’ We focus on fundamental principles that ensure the quality and longevity of our work.

EB: Our process begins with essential questions: Is the space well-designed and functional? What story do we want to tell? Are the proportions harmonious? How will this space impact its users? By addressing these considerations, we strive to create timeless, meaningful architecture that transcends trends or fashions. We embrace all tools and methods available to craft coherent, thoughtful responses to each project’s unique challenges, ensuring that our designs are both grounded and timeless.