Banque Pictet & Cie

Geneva, Competition 2019-2020, 2nd prize
Conceptual Model
Conceptual Model

Along the Route des Acacias in Geneva, we are designing a high-rise building that aims to be more than just representative features on an external façade. It also explicitly strives to achieve a spatial and structural translation of the company’s values. The new building develops a specific geography of places and meeting points for Pictet, contained within a framework considered modest for a bank.

On the ground floor, above the top floor of the perimeter block, and as the conclusion of the high-rise, places are created to be both memorable as well as explicit spaces of exchange. They capitalize on their distinctive locations within the building, in order to establish an active and tangible form of “corporate architecture.” The geography of these places is derived from the surrounding urban fabric, and in its architectonic expression, highlights the typological articulation of plinth, perimeter block, tower, and crown.

Figure Ground Plan, E2A
Figure Ground Plan E2A
View from Rue des Acacias
View from Rue des Acacias

from left to right: Plan Ground Floor, Plan 6th Floor, Plan 8th Floor
from left to right: Plan Ground Floor, Plan 6th Floor, Plan 8th Floor

The ground floor is characterized by a plethora of different approaches and a courtyard, which is open to the public. The main entrance is positioned facing the Route des Acacias. The new employee entrance will be located directly adjacent to the current employee entrance on Rue Pictet-Thellusson. Connected to this will be the “Business Center,” which is distinctive for its location on the inner courtyard, as it has to be easily accessible for third parties. The transition between the edge of the block and the high-rise building houses a lunchroom for the staff and a cafeteria. The circulation is conceived as a two-story transition zone, resembling a Wintergarden. The areas to interface with clients are located at the top of the tower. Their location is associated with a spectacular view of Geneva and the surrounding lakeside scenery.

Diagram spatial organization
Diagram spatial organization

The Pictet Group has been CO2-neutral since 2014. In order to maintain this culture, Pictet’s new building is conceptualized as a timber structure, significantly reducing grey energy consumption in the process.

At around ninety meters high, it will be one of the tallest timber constructions in Switzerland, sending a clear signal about the company’s sense of ecological responsibility. In addition to intelligent and innovative building technology - which can meet the entire building's demands with renewable energy - this project presents both a classically timeless and restrained exterior appearance and innovation of the highest degree on the interior.

View from the Route des Acacias towards the forecourt of the Pictet bank's customer entrance.
View from the Route des Acacias towards the forecourt of the Pictet bank's customer entrance.
View towards the Wintergarden of the collaborator's restaurant.
View towards the Wintergarden of the collaborator's restaurant.

Externally, the new building is restrained in its expression. A simple gridded geometry is reminiscent of Sol LeWitt's precise latticed frames, connecting the interior load-bearing structural system to the outside. Only upon second glance do the building’s minimalist materiality and constructive finesse become apparent. The overriding grid is broken down into individual frames, which further emphasize the delicacy of the structure.

Structural Model
Structural Model
Construction Principle
Construction Principle

Banque Pictet & Cie

2020
2.Platz
Address

Route des Acacias 60
1227 Carouge
Switzerland

Client
Banque Pictet & Cie SA, Geneva
Team
: Piet Eckert, Wim Eckert, André Passos, Felix Mayaux, Bojana Miskeljin, Simon Jeckelmann, Alexandra Kvasnikova, Raphael Bitzi, Alfred Pun Chun Hin
Collaboration

Bauingenieur: Ingeni SA, Zürich
Fassadenplaner: EBP Schweiz AG, Zürich
HLK-Planer: einfach gut bauen GmbH (Martin Meier), Nänikon / Zürich
Brandschutz: EBP Schweiz AG, Zürich
Landschaft: vetschpartner Landschaftsarchitekten AG, Zürich
Nachhaltigkeit: durable Planung und Beratung GmbH, Zürich