New Quad

This proposal for the Physical and Mathematical Sciences on the University of Geneva’s urban campus reimagines the narrative of conventional models of academic environments. It finds value in interactions that take place beyond the scope of formal settings and the nature of spaces that can facilitate them. This exploration manifests as a vibrant quad that connects surrounding university buildings and the public park along the River Arve.

Spanning 16 stories and covering 20,000 square metres, the design uses massing and configuration to respond to neighbouring structures and site character, monitored by local regulations. It seeks to preserve the architectural integrity of Science II and Science III buildings by reflecting their scale and massing to create a harmonious ensemble. The design maximises the allowable building volume along Quai Ernest-Ansermet by referencing the nearby RTG tower. The hub is organized into three primary sections: below-ground auditoriums, a ground-level lobby, and the tower above. The building features a five-story section dedicated to shared amenities, along with additional spaces for community and educational programs.

Each section is designed to facilitate different levels of interaction. Larger auditoriums and their support services are accomodated below ground level to minimise visual impact. The ground floor employs open-plan grids for flexible configurations to accommodate a wide range of programs and encourage public interaction. The central space where the blocks meet serves as a lobby and congregation area on the ground floor. Public programs and exterior galleries are housed concentrically within this composition, gradually transitioning to the outdoors. The tower is reserved for students and academic departments. It becomes a sanctuary for introsection as its verticality provides spaces removed from the bustle of street-level activity and a connection to the sky.

The building’s permeability is mirrored in its façade by utilizing a blend of aluminium and laminated glass. This invites in natural light and expresses a sleek and modern appearance that contrasts with neighbouring structures, giving the campus a distinct visual quality. The building’s pervasiveness is continued by the street surface that connects the building to the river. This link creates the sense of a shared plazaby facilitating pedestrian and vehicular movement. An internal public route that begins at the exterior plaza and public concourse links the cafeteria, student lounge, auditoriums and classrooms. Smaller side lanes are transformed into “living streets” with traffic-calming measures.

The building’s flexible, open layout supports the future program adaptations, while naturally lit spaces help meet sustainability goals. The articulation of the vertical and horizontal sections provides a variety of learning spaces, from quiet contemplation to invigorating collaboration. The internal quad, with a strengthened connection to the river and environs, contributes to a more cohesive, functional and greener campus.


Centre for Physical and Mathematical Sciences (New Quad) | date : 2024 | location : Geneva, Switzerland | surface : 20.716 m2 | team : Madhusudhan Chalasani, Jesús Garrido, Bruno Sirabo, Vamsi Krishna, Rohith Therala, Supriya Ambavani, Tanvi Jain, Sivatmika J | client : University of Geneva | status : competition