Swiss architecture and design studio Evolution Design has converted the former Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) printing centre into a dynamic multi-use hub with offices, coworking spaces, event venues, and leisure facilities known as JED. The 36,000 square metre building, owned and developed by Swiss Prime Site, is located in Schlieren: one of Switzerland’s emerging start-up areas.
Creating a community
The core idea of JED (standing for “join”, “explore” and “dare”) was to establish a new business environment for creative collaboration, networking and innovation. «JED brings together medium-sized companies from biotech, medtech, and IT sectors in a space that combines industrial architecture with modern workplaces and multifunctional areas for the way people want to work today,» says Gianfranco Basso, project lead at Swiss Prime Site.
Repurposing print facilities
As part of the scheme, the architects have adapted several print halls, warehouses and administration blocks into offices, coworking spaces, labs, event venues, and restaurants, prioritising connectivity and paying homage to the original building structure.
The main print hall – an 18-metre-high space that housed a 3-storey-tall printing machine until 2015 – has been transformed into an office building that is occupied by global innovation service provider Zühlke.