Center for Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Geneva
The development of the new «Centre des Sciences Physiques et Mathématiques» (CSPM) – the Center for Physical and Mathematical Sciences – meets the desire to keep the university faculties in the city center, while also strengthening the close ties between education and society, and more broadly, between science and the city.
Office Cantonal des Bâtiments (OCBA; Cantonal Buildings Office) in collaboration with the University of Geneva
2025
Competition, 1st prize
Play-Time
Competition, Research & Education
Geneva, Schweiz
Lausanne, Schweiz
Urban environment
Although the surface area of the site is limited due to its urban location, the new Center’s high-rise design frees up the ground level for use as a hub to foster research links within the campus and with the city of Geneva. The River Arve and its scenic appeal are a key feature of the site, which is enhanced by a well-thought-out layout that embraces this setting.
Urban setting and relationships
The building volumes meet the twin challenges presented by the new Center’s urban setting and its anticipated uses. Firstly, the design frees up the ground floor, providing easy access to the immediate surroundings – the science campus and local district. Secondly, it ensures the Center is structured around its two main areas of activity – research and lecturing.
The facility’s layout clearly reflects its three key elements – a high-rise building for research activities, a medium-height structure for lecturing, and a base building, the «common ground», which acts as a unifying factor between the various elements.
The base – a «common ground»
As a linking element, the ground-level base building creates a low, small-scale entrance which defines the relationship between the public spaces and the various buildings. It has a continuous internal walkway and creates a sense of permeability for interaction between the city and campus.
This «common ground» connects the dedicated research and lecturing blocks in an extensive, fluid space at ground level. The multifunctional entrance hall – designed as a large meeting space – provides a central location for facilities that foster interaction: a cafeteria, library, informal workspaces, a research club, and the datcha.
The tower
This high-rise building is dedicated to research activities.
Situated on the Ansermet quay, it blends in harmoniously with other high-rise buildings in the local area on both sides of the river – such as the RTS, Vernets, and Firmenich developments. It also enjoys unobstructed views over the Geneva countryside, the Jura, Mont Salève, Le Môle, and even Mont Blanc on clear days.
Inside, the research departments extend over several levels, connected by staircases and double-height spaces to eliminate any silo effects. The experimentation labs are located in the basement floors, and those most sensitive to vibrations are situated along the apron facing the ground – far away from any sources of interference.
The lecture block
The somewhat lower lecture block faces the city – situated opposite the Cité Carl Vogt development designed by the Honegger brothers – and matches the alignment and patterns of the urban Boulevard Yvoy and Boulevard Carl-Vogt. It contains lecture theaters, practical work spaces, and a cafeteria, and provides a second entrance on the city side at street level.
Façade and appearance
Photovoltaic panels: solar generation and protection
External technical installations are fitted on the outside of the tower, creating a beneficial bioclimatic gap. This design supports systems like fixed shading elements made of crystalline solar panels that harness the sun’s energy while protecting against it.
Opaque strip sections
The use of opaque strip sections enabled the ratio of glazing to be reduced to 55%, while meeting high technical standards. They are clad with extruded ceramic, ventilated, and represent a sustainable environmental solution thanks to their high mechanical strength and low carbon footprint.
Eco-friendly, responsible architecture
The design focuses heavily on sustainability requirements and every element seeks to minimize environmental impact and optimize the building’s energy performance.
The design improves sustainability in the following ways:
- Reduced land use : compact design and permeable, landscaped outdoor spaces
- Choice of materials: minimal use of concrete with preference given to timber, clay, and recycled concrete
- Energy and insulation: photovoltaic and thermal panels, highly effective insulation made from renewable materials, high-performance glazing
- Façades: passive solar protection using solar panels and external elements
- Heat control system and ventilation: building heating and cooling system that uses lake water, natural and mechanical ventilation, clay radiant ceiling panels
- Biodiversity and water management: planting of trees to create an urban forest, green roof spaces, rainwater collection and reuse
