NEW MECHANICAL HALL
LAUSANNE POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL
LAUSANNE
SWITZERLAND, 2011-2016
EDUCATION
PR–516
The historic mechanical hall in Lausanne brought together the two separate buildings around a central atrium, forming a complex of research laboratories open 24 hours a day.
MEDIAS
021
PROGRAMME
The Mechanical Hall brings together a number of research laboratories: heat and mass transfer laboratory, industrial energy laboratory, fluid mechanics laboratory, mechanical engineering institute, intelligent systems laboratory, robotic systems laboratory, as well as a neuroprosthetics center, common areas for students (50-seat auditorium, seminar rooms, catering facilities, etc.) and administrative offices.
Project built and designed with the Steiner Group.
Situation
EPFL Campus, Route cantonale 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
Year
2011–2016
Status
International competition, winning project
Built-up area
20 800 m²
Project management
Swiss Confederation represented by the Council of the Federal Institutes of Technology
Delegation of the operation
École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne
Project implementation
Dominique Perrault Architecte
Local architect
Architram
Interior designer, design, and signage
Gaëlle Lauriot-Prévost
Design offices
Préface Sarl, Betica SA, Daniel Willi SA, d’Silence SA, Duchein SA, Jean-Paul Lamoureux
DESCRIPTION
The buildings are united by a uniform shell. This shell is composed of robotic metal mesh panels that open or close depending on weather conditions. Inclined at five degrees to the facade, along an alternating oblique axis, this automated metal weave reflects the experimental nature of the hall and marks a milestone in the history of the EPFL campus. The atrium at the heart of the building is a true cognitive space. With its synapse-like walkways, it forms the beating heart of this brain dedicated to research. The layout encourages encounters between researchers, students, and anyone else involved in the various laboratories.
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