For the love of film: EM2N transform the Cinematheque Suisse
![exterior building for the Cinémathèque Suisse in Penthaz](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TuerXzfrzvLfEZB9TSDosN-415-80.jpg)
When the Cinematheque Suisse in Penthaz kicked started its transformation process almost ten years ago, its home was no more than a collection of very simple and utilitarian buildings that urgently needed architectural updating, as well as extra space to cover the institution's growing needs. Enter Zurich-based architects EM2N, who took on the commission to breathe new life to the film archive complex.
Now, the redesign and expansion works for Switzerland's national film archives have just been completed and EM2N have revealed the first photos of their oeuvre. By demolishing much of the existing buildings - which were deemed unfit for purpose - the architects unified the complex by keeping the general footprint of the old structures, adding extra space and connecting everything under a single roof.
The new shell, made of warm, ceramic-coloured rusted steel, is matched by an also new concrete structure. Its simple, almost bunker-like feel, is in keeping with the pared-down and functional overall feel of the complex. 'Penthaz II is a kind of super-functional bunker that ensures the optimum protection of the culturally valuable artifacts', say the architects, who wanted the structure to reference 'an industrial production facility, or film studios'.
The revamped program, spanning some 13,100 sq m, now includes staff offices, conference rooms, further space for workshops, an auditorium, a generous foyer, a cinema and a library, as well as the institution's precious archive collection.
The low slung, linear structure remains elegantly unobtrusive to the surrounding landscape. Sloping, planted roofs also work to that effect, helping the angular structure blend seamlessly with the nature around it.
The low complex takes its cue from the original film archive’s modest and utilitarian family of buildings
The architects describe their project as a ’super-functional bunker’
Inside, the structure contains workshops, conference rooms, an auditorium, cinema and a library...
...as well as of course the institution’s precious film archive
Public areas and workspaces are in the completely redesigned existing buildings, while the archives were moved to the entirely new wing
INFORMATION
For more information on EM2N visit the firm's website
Photography: Roger Frei, Zurich
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).
-
Birley Chocolate hits the sweet ’n’ chic spot in London’s Chelsea
The new Birley Chocolate shop, a sibling to Birley Bakery, is a confection of colour as delicious as its finely crafted goods
By Melina Keays Published
-
Feel at home at Auberge, Château La Coste's new inn for culture lovers
Auberge La Coste sits at the heart of the art-filled estate, minutes away from the joyful town of Aix-en-Provence
By Harriet Thorpe Published
-
This Nova Lima apartment is a Brazilian family oasis with striking Minas Gerais views
A Nova Lima apartment designed by Jacobsen Arquitetura celebrates its long, natural Minas Gerais vistas
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Christian de Portzamparc’s Dior Geneva flagship store dazzles and flows
Dior’s Geneva flagship by French architect Christian de Portzamparc has a brand new, wavy façade that references the fashion designer's original processes using curves, cuts and light
By Herbert Wright Published
-
An Uetikon house embraces minimalism, light, and its Swiss lake views
This Uetikon home by Pablo Pérez Palacios Arquitectos Asociados (PPAA) sets itself apart from traditional Swiss housing, with a contemporary design that connects with nature
By Tianna Williams Published
-
CERN Science Gateway: behind the scenes at Renzo Piano’s campus in Geneva
CERN Science Gateway by Renzo Piano Building Workshop announces opening date in Switzerland, heralding a new era for groundbreaking innovation
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Herzog & de Meuron’s SIP Main Campus weaves together nature and sculptural concrete
SIP Main Campus, a new workspace by Herzog & de Meuron, completes on the Swiss-French border
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Studio Tropicana, Switzerland and Italy: Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2023
Based in Switzerland and Italy, Studio Tropicana is part of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2023, our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
The pioneering architecture of Nigerian artist-designer Demas Nwoko
The work of pioneering Nigerian artist-designer Demas Nwoko has stood the test of time; as he is awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Biennale Architettura 2023
By Ijeoma Ndukwe Last updated
-
Heir lift: a Swiss architect rebuilds a family legacy in St Moritz
By Sophie Lovell Published
-
Talent House opens in east London to nurture diverse talent in the arts
The Talent House is an enclave for London’s future arts talent
By Josh Fenton Last updated