For the Zurich Criminal Investigation Department, Penzel Valier proposes a building projected over the street, creating a covered entrance that provides access to the exhibition hall, detectives’ offices and the circulation core. On the opposite side, an independent entrance leads to the interrogation and detention rooms. The upper floors, connected by an atrium, house the offices, while the top floor accommodates the cafeteria and a spacious terrace.
The dual structure, conceived as both a «collective» and «solitary» element, is coherently separated from the lightweight interior finishes, allowing for future modifications. The glass façade, with open strips, incorporates a distinctive relief that creates a play of light across the curved profiles of the enclosure, giving the building a transparent and delicate expression, closely connected to its urban surroundings.
Criminal Investigation Department by Penzel Valier. Photograph by Bruno Augsburger.
Project description by Penzel Valier
The concept for the new building for the Criminal Department of the Zurich City Police is based on a dual development of the structure as "joint" and "solitary." The diamond shaped, hexagonal figure refers to the lines of the surrounding buildings, which are fanned out due to the curvature.
On one hand, the new building makes reference to the alignment of the neighboring buildings and mediates between them, thus acting as a "joint." On the other hand, it forms a centered, balanced volume, which can be interpreted as a "solitary."
The building cantilevers towards Förrlibuckstrasse and, in doing so, creates a representative, covered entrance area for accessing the public showroom and detective's office, as well as the circulation core. On the opposite side of the building, a separate monitored entrance provides access to the interrogation rooms and detention area with cells. On the upper floors, the offices are orientated towards daylight along the facade around a central, load-bearing core, which forms the inner backbone of the building. An atrium connects the upper floors, and that connection of interior space enables better orientation within the building, while also creating spaces to meet. The atrium connection contributes significantly to the open atmosphere of the building. On the top floor, the cafeteria, combined with a large rooftop terrace, provides a relaxing environment where employees can meet and retreat.
To ensure the longevity of the building, particular attention was paid to consistent separation of the load-bearing structure and the interior fittings. The quality of the load-bearing structure was also designed to a high finish standard. Lightweight construction was chosen for the partition walls to allow easy redistribution in the event of future changes.
When designing the facade, an expression was sought that consciously contrasts with the high-security requirements and internal restrictions of the brief. The open-banded glass facade, the distinct relief, and the play of light on the curved parapet profiles collectively contribute to a transparent and delicate expression for the building, which offers employees multiple perspectives, including a strong connection to the urban environment in which they work every day.
