Collège Rousseau, Geneva
Collège Rousseau, built in 1969, is a large quadrilateral structure laid out around a central courtyard in Italian palazzo style. This building has notable qualities in terms of architecture and cultural heritage, but its poor condition requires both full renovation of its historic structure as well as a major extension to cope with rising pupil numbers. Taking account of these objectives, Burckhardt won the design competition with a proposal based on continuity: a timber-framed additional story and the extension of the existing façade to the new level.
Canton of Geneva, Buildings Office
2018–2024
Architecture, competition
1st place
Burckhardt Architektur, Archigraphie.ch, Philippe Cointault
Research & Education, Transformation & Renovation
Geneva, Schweiz
Lausanne, Switzerland
Project specifics
Clear layout
The building’s layout can be seen in the façade. A glazed two-story base structure contains the office space, on top of which are two floors of classrooms with an overhang: this large mineral block has modular façades made of prefabricated concrete. A third level has now been added to the structure, maintaining its general coherence and creating a place of modern learning that meets current teaching requirements.
Symbiosis of old and new
The project’s main aim is to enhance the building, with the extension providing continuity rather than contrast and avoiding any incongruous features. The new story extends and tops off the building, harmoniously blending old and new elements.
Spatial experience of wood
The project’s main aim is to enhance the building, with the extension providing continuity rather than contrast and avoiding any incongruous features. The new story extends and tops off the building, harmoniously blending old and new elements. Dank zwei grosszügiger Oberlichter profitieren die grossen Treppen vom Tageslicht. Grundrisse und Räume orientieren sich um diese natürlichen Lichtquellen.
The presence of wood creates a warm atmosphere that contrasts with the harshness of the concrete.”
Alexandre Gilberto, Project Manager
A welcoming and transparent space
On the ground floor, the college’s new cafeteria recreates the transparency that architect Alain Ritter achieved in his original design. It provides a welcoming space for breaks and lunchtime and is used as a place of informal learning for the rest of the day.
