The Experimental Architecture of Herzog & De Meuron for the UZH Building Reveals an Important Design Process

The innovative approach to design by the great Swiss masters Herzog & de Meuron never ceases to amaze.
Known for their passion for innovation and originality, the studio has embraced a truly unique design strategy for the new building of the University of Zurich (UZH).

https://www.forum-uzh.ch/themen/architektur

A Model Beyond the Reduced Scale

In addition to creating a scale model of the entire building, which helped them examine all structural features in detail, Herzog & de Meuron took an extra step:
they created a full-scale 1:1 façade section, allowing designers, clients, and authorities to evaluate the interaction between form and function under real conditions.

Distinctive Architectural Elements

The design for the new UZH building is characterized by a combination of original components, including:

• the famous “giant lantern”
• an innovative façade equipped with a unique shading system, known as the "Brise-Soleil"

https://www.stadtuniversitaet.uzh.ch/de/aktuelles/2025/Fassade-FORUM-UZH.html

To test these extraordinary design elements, Herzog & de Meuron built a full-scale prototype of the Brise-Soleil.
This "mock-up of the FORUM UZH façade", as it is officially called, reproduces:

• the future appearance of the building
• the direction of natural light
• the structure of the façade

This makes it possible to anticipate how the façade will perform with daylight, shadows, and visual perspective.
Furthermore, it will help define the final shape and color, fine-tuning the overall design.

They also built a 1:1 prototype and scaled models of the “giant lantern” that will bring natural light into the building while also serving to house technical service systems.
The true test of this innovation was the creation of a life-size model of the lantern, which made it possible to further refine the design and to understand how light would filter through the structure at different times of the day.

https://www.forum-uzh.ch/themen/entwickeln-und-pruefen

An Open-Air Research Laboratory

This remarkable prototype has been installed in the gardens of the UZH campus, where it will remain on display for about three years.
It is a genuine open-air research laboratory, a model constantly tested and reviewed every day under changing environmental conditions.

Betanit: A Shared Path

At Betanit, we are naturally proud to follow the same path traced by Herzog & de Meuron, supporting a design approach that values:

• innovation
• continuous research
• hands-on experimentation

Our products are the result of this advanced design process, which allows us to go beyond conventions, just like the Swiss architectural studio.

At the same time, we recognize that their groundbreaking work strongly inspires and influences our practice and philosophy, guiding us along a shared path of continuous evolution and excellence in the fields of architecture and design.

A Method That Redefines Design

This working method, which combines scale models and full-size prototypes, demonstrates the commitment of the architectural firm to exploring new boundaries and methods in the design process.

Herzog & de Meuron continue to push the limits of innovation through:

• their meticulous attention to detail
• their creativity
• their constant and pragmatic practice

This approach not only makes it possible to anticipate and solve potential issues, but also helps transform architecture into a much more engaging, dynamic, and exploratory process.