Administrative Headquarters From Groupe E

Communication, transparency, adaptation; these are the key elements which jointly create the foundations of the latest archived project in the records of Bern-based Ipas Architects. Their exceptional planning ideas won them the first-place prize for constructing the 17,000 square-meters Group E headquarters near Fribourg, Switzerland. Intended as a collective workspace for its staff members, the imposing building was developed from the initial concept of a vast open area in which people could easily be in touch and exchange suggestions and opinions, inspiring one another to achieve excellent performance though still having a fun time at work.

The sharp edges and mirrored glass surfaces of the exterior walls are part of a contemporary design which enable the structure to blend in with the natural surroundings by reflecting its images, whilst creating a contrast with the urban engineering of clustered rural, country houses typically present in the area. As a result, the great volume of the construction is less apparent thanks to the network it is able to weave into the bordering landscape, making this a project that invests not only into human matters, but ecological ones as well.
To bring the two aspects together, the living spaces are arranged according to a precise scheme: relaxation areas are situated in the part of the building exposed to daylight, pedestrian walkways exist over, under and inside the edifice to enhance communication, all offices have a clear view of the deep green foliage of the outdoor vegetation. The final effect is of a complex but discrete living space, which both respects nature and draws from it an essential power and energy used to convey positivity into people’s work.

Photographs: Gérald Sciboz, Thomas Jantscher