Dominik GehlFrom unusual staircases to colorful facades, Zürich is always up for a surprise.
On the surface, Zürich might fit the characteristics of a typical European city. It features a historical old town, a financial quarter and alleys dotted with boutiques. However, if you scratch the surface and tilt your head once in a while, you will find that Zürich is actually very unique. It is a treasure trove of hidden courtyards, colorful spaces and simply stunning architecture.
Not too long ago, I have shared an inspiring collection of architecture photographs from Zürich. But knowing how quickly this city evolves, I am always on the lookout for interesting new architecture. Here are some of my most recent photographs of stunning architecture in Zürich.
The Zürich Main Station is one of the busiest railway stations in the world with close to 3000 trains per day.
The station has several levels with train departures happening both at ground and below ground level. Its main hall from 1870, designed by Jakob Friedrich Wanner, shows an interesting mix of modern and neo-Renaissance features.
Another very interesting train station is Zürich Stadelhofen, initially opened in 1894. In the 1990s, the station was expanded and rebuilt by Santiago Calatrava.
Can you tell what these arches represent and where they might be located?
Actually, they are located in the most unassuming construction you can imagine: a car parking! It is the parking lot of the Sihlcity shopping center and in fact, the photo is a straight look-up between the access ramps.
The Grieder building, also called Peterhof, was built in 1913 as an office building for Credit Suisse by the architect brothers Pfisteris.
It is a gem hiding in plain sight. Even though it is located right next to the busy Paradeplatz, nothing on the outside prepares you for the spectacular entrance hall with its mesmerizing atrium.
Not far from there, you will find what is likely the most photographed spiral staircase in Zürich: the Sihlporte.
The building complex of the Genossenschaft Kalkbreite is also home to several multi-colored staircases.
Speaking of staircases, the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste (ZHdK) contains a particularly impressive one. The huge complex was built in the 1970s as a dairy factory and was transformed into a university campus between 2012 and 2014.
Not to be missed is the main building of ETH Zurich, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. Built by Gottfried Semper in 1864, it was remodeled at the beginning of the 20th century by Gustav Gull.
The town of Schlieren west of Zürich is a small municipality of 14'000 residents. One of the office buildings next to the train station is particularly colorful. We have to thank SLIK architects and Kerim Seiler for the stunning presence.
A short walk around Schlieren is worthwhile due the multitude of modern buildings with sometimes particular shapes, angles and colors.
Dimitri Burkhard
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