Zurich: The «Haus zum Falken» is finished
The building by architect Santiago Calatrava sets a new urban accent. Owner Axa reports full occupancy.
The Axa Investment Foundation's new building project at Stadelhofen station has been completed. According to the information provided, all floors have been let and the first interior work by the tenants has begun. The striking building designed by architect Santiago Calatrava took around two and a half years to build. Axa speaks of an «unmistakable urban accent in the most central location».
The project was completed on schedule, says Dominik Arioli, Head Development & Construction at Axa Investment Managers, which is now part of the BNP Paribas Group. «It is equally pleasing that the first floor and all four upper floors are fully let,» Arioli continues. The first handovers took place at the beginning of September. Confiserie Bachmann is also currently fitting out the first floor areas.
The four upper floors will house various medical services, including internal medicine and oral and maxillofacial surgery, as well as the Zollikerberg Hospital, which will operate its Women's Permanence Zurich there. The opening of the space on the upper floor will be staggered over the coming year and is reportedly dependent on the schedule of the respective tenants.
«More fluid movement flows»
The Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava had already designed and realized the neighbouring Stadelhofen train station with his unmistakable style. The first floor plan of the «Haus zum Falken» has been scaled back compared to the original building: «The urban planning reference was very important to me from the outset,» says the architect himself, describing his approach. «The flow of pedestrians between the station and the district is now much more open and fluid».
On behalf of the City of Zurich, a bicycle station with around 800 parking spaces is being built in the basement of the building. This is nearing completion and will provide direct access to Stadelhofen station. (aw)
