Square Hsg Learning Center

Monumental concrete forms define Evolution Design's Square Hsg Learning Center, where sweeping sculptural staircases carve dynamic diagonal vectors through a soaring atrium bathed in diffused natural illumination that enters from glazed upper registers, creating a luminous spatial experience of remarkable architectural choreography. The compositional armature operates through dramatic asymmetrical balance, with the primary concrete staircase functioning as the gravitational anchor positioned along a strong diagonal axis that bisects the frame from upper left toward lower right, its smooth cementitious surfaces exhibiting the characteristic warm grey tonality of exposed béton brut with subtle formwork striations visible upon close inspection. The chromatic palette establishes a sophisticated dialogue between the dominant neutral concrete field and carefully calibrated accent interventions: vivid cadmium red panels punctuate the middle and upper registers creating focal points of chromatic intensity, while deep cobalt blue rectangular elements and warm ochre-golden architectural infills provide secondary harmonic notes that activate the spatial composition. The foreground presents an inviting social landscape of warm honey-toned timber stepped seating platforms where figures gather in casual congregation, the natural wood grain introducing organic warmth against the mineral coolness of the surrounding concrete. A remarkable biophilic intervention appears in the form of a living green column wrapped entirely in trailing ivy, its verdant cascade of heart-shaped leaves creating a striking vertical accent that mediates between architectural permanence and natural vitality. Supplementary tropical foliage including areca palms and bird of paradise specimens punctuate the ground plane, their feathery fronds softening the geometric rigor with organic counterpoint. The lighting paradigm combines zenithal daylight filtering through clerestory openings with recessed artificial downlights creating an even, shadow-free ambience that enhances the spatial clarity. White-painted steel balustrades trace the staircase edges with elegant linear precision, their delicate profiles contrasting beautifully with the massive concrete forms they delineate. Human figures populate the space at various scales and activities, some ascending the stairs in motion blur suggesting temporal duration, others seated in intimate conversation groups on the timber platforms, establishing the architecture as genuinely inhabited social infrastructure. The spatial construction demonstrates sophisticated understanding of section as generative design tool, with multiple floor levels visible through the open atrium creating visual connectivity and spatial transparency that encourages wayfinding and social encounter.

Square is a learning center for a university in Switzerland. The interior is built as an open grid and is based on the idea of unbroken connectivity and multifunctionality. The design covers around 7000 square meters across two upper floors, a ground floor and a basement. Open plan areas are combined with fifteen rooms, a cafeteria and a lounge. A toolbox of movable furniture, presentation equipment, a foldable stage, rugs and plants allows each area to be arranged for the event taking place. Most items are fitted with castor wheels, so they can be moved freely.