St Gallen, Switzerland
Designed by Sou Fujimoto, Evolution Design, and Burckhardt+Partner, The Square is an educational building based on the concept of unbroken connectivity and multifunctionality and models new ways of learning and interaction between students and lecturers.
The main characteristic of this building is that there are plenty of open plan areas – designed as an inspiring journey through bustling squares and lounges to quieter niches – and fifteen rooms extended across three floors.
All spaces have been fitted out with extreme flexibility in mind, enabling all rooms and open areas to be modulated freely.
For this reason, most areas are equipped with movable furniture and equipment that perfectly match the requirements of the event taking place and the number of people in attendance.
The ground floor welcomes visitors with a sophisticated cafeteria, a lounge, rooms for learning and pop-up events, and the main open plaza centered around the spectacular atrium which extends up all three levels.
Flooded by sunlight and accentuated by the bold inserts of red and abundant indoor greenery, this is a bustling space where activities change daily: ranging from events with the participation of external guests to workshops, masterclasses, and courses, and students working in groups on their projects.
To accommodate such daily diversity in use, the architects developed a toolbox concept – a set of elements like furniture, presentation equipment, a foldable stage, rugs, and plants – all of which can be easily combined to create distinctive layouts and atmospheres within the open plaza.
To increase spatial versatility, most items – from chairs and stools to whiteboards, tables, and plants – are fitted with castor wheels allowing the items to be moved around freely.
The upper floors provide further spaces for group learning, presentations, and events, all having access to several beautifully furnished roof terraces.
On the top floor, designed in green and blue tones to create a feeling of tranquillity, islands of diner-style seating are separated from several quieter niches by green divider walls.
Without losing the sense of interactivity and exchange, here learning and dialogue takes place in a calmer atmosphere.
The top floor also houses three special meeting rooms that are designed to enable group activities in a more relaxed way.
The Amphitheatre, equipped with custom-made stepped seating, is a popular choice for presentations and open group discussions, while the Campfire facilitates quality conversations, creating a slower, more reflective exchange.
The Tea House is designed as a conversation area consisting of a sunken sofa and a large table and is specifically created to foster a strong sense of group work.
Conversations, learning, and exchange happen here in an informal atmosphere.
In accordance with the most sophisticated tea ceremony traditions, this is a shoe-free area.
Project: The Square
Architects: Sou Fujimoto Architects and Evolution Design AG
Lead Architect: Sou Fujimoto
Associate Architects: Burckhardt+Partner AG
General Contractor: HRS
Client: University of St. Gallen and the HSG Foundation
Photographers: Peter Wuermli
