FHNW Campus Muttenz im Bau

In the last seven years, an extraordinary new building designed by the Zurich-based Pool Architects has emerged in Muttenz for the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland. Introduced by a park lined with trees and a spacious forecourt designed by Studio Vulkan, it presents itself as a simple cube rising to the height of a high-rise building. Inside, the full dimension of this height unfolds as an atrium that opens into two light wells. Ramped or spiral staircases create a spatial experience that extends far beyond the simple access. The supporting concrete structure is largely left visible. In contrast, the lateral classrooms and workspaces are characterized by warm colors and wooden paneling. Photographer Martin Stollenwerk closely documented the construction phase. His images of the building process also reveal fascinating interior worlds that are no longer visible today: steel reinforcements and formwork of dimensions typically seen in civil engineering. The large-format photo series, organized thematically into chapters, is complemented by exemplary construction plans and explanatory texts, as well as comprehensive documentation of the plans.