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| Client | Komax AG |
| Commission | Study competition on invitation 2015 |
| Planning | 2015–2017 |
| Construction | 2017–2020 |
| Architects | Graber & Steiger Architekten, Project Architect: Urs Schmid |
| Consultants | Project Manager: Büro für Bauökonomie, Structural engineer: Dr. Schwartz Consulting, Mechanical Engineer: Peter Berchtold Engineering, Electrical Engineer: Scherler AG, Façade engineering: Metallprojekt GmbH, Fire protection engineering: Swissi, Building physicist: RSP AG |
As one of the first production buildings in Switzerland designed consistently vertical and according to the premises of Industry 4.0, the extention of the headquarters of Komax AG exemplifies how the imperative for an indispensable densification can also be implemented in industrial sites.
Research, production and administration are united under one roof on 6 vertically stacked platforms, which significantly promotes the informal transfer of know-how. Thanks to a permeable spatial concept, flat operational hierarchies can develop across floors and increase productivity. The usual distinction between production and office floor has been abolished, and everything can take place independently of the floor. The spatial concept, the load-bearing structure and the circulation concept meet the current requirements of a contemporary production facility and have the necessary flexibility for future changes of processes.
The building is designed as a holistic system to increase sustainability. In addition to the space-creating, tree-like structure, a technology-free, walkable façade contributes significantly to this.The "Verandas" have multiple uses as sunshades, outdoor lounges and escape routes. The customised "Brises-Soleil" optimally balance shading and daylight supply without the use of technology. The production of thr high-tech products by Komax AG which is active in mechanical engineering, finds a contemporary home in a low-tech architecture.

'PoroCity - Enabling Structures by Graber & Steiger Architects' is a site-specific spatial installation that developed for the exhibition in Dhaka. At the venue of Kalakendra and the adjacent urban space, the installation explores the concept of "enabling structures" in different architectural and urban scales.
Porous structures can be a solid basis for welcoming places and unfold a permeable framework for lively social interactions and future-oriented transformations. Through a balanced character, built structures can be enablers for a resource-optimised, sustainable design of living spaces.
The ephemerally conceived exhibition provides a small insight into our works, which strive for permeable spatial structures that invite free appropriation by the users. The opportunity to present buildings and projects far away from their context of origin can stimulate a dialogue about specifically local, but also universal aspects of architectural structures. We can thus expect a critical examination of hitherto familiar design approaches, which can show us broader perspectives.
The scenographic setting of the installation is embedded in a circular concept of reusing the modular exhibition structure in the everyday life of Dhaka's micro-urbanism. Besides the visitors of the exhibition, every city dweller is invited to participate in the concept of "Enabling Structures" in the long run by reusing the micro-structures designed for the exhibition.
The exhibition is support by Swiss Cultural Council ProHelvetia.
8 - 29 May 2023
8 May 2023, 6:30 pm
Kalakendra Art Space, Lalmatia Dhaka