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Switzerland is synonymous with dramatic mountains, serene lakes and idyllic countryside homes. The nation’s recreation is intimately tied to this diverse landscape: Landlocked and divided between the Swiss Plateau, the Alps and the Jura, Switzerland has become a global center for outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding and mountaineering. Architecturally, this relationship has given rise to some of the world’s most dynamic sports halls. Created for traditional sports like Swiss wrestling or “Schwingen,” ice hockey, football and others, these buildings are also used for year-round training and exercise. As community centers and gathering areas, they have become important public spaces within Swiss society.
Taking a closer look at Switzerland’s stunning sports halls, the following collection explores this typology through diverse projects located across the country. Showcasing a range of scales, material assemblies and formal expressions, the halls all use simple geometry and rigorous detailing to delineate space for activity and competition.
© Nicolas Sedlatchek
© Thomas Jantscher
Salle de Sport Triple by François MEYER ARCHITECTURE, Visp, Switzerland
The Salle de Sport Triple project responds to the existing school complex and nearby buildings while maintaining a distinct formal language. Embracing empty spaces to transform them into alleys, squares and entries, the design also includes three independent rooms defined by the overhead roof form.
© yves andré
© yves andré
Educational and occupational training establishmentby Graeme Mann & Patricia Capua Mann architects, Saint-Maurice, Switzerland
This training center located at the entrance to the city of Saint-Maurice was designed as a new urban front to the Avenue des Terraux. Made with a courtyard that opens to the south, the project’s U-shape connects several playgrounds to open green spaces and sports facilities.
© BGS & Partner Architekten AG
© BGS & Partner Architekten AG
Erweiterung Primarschule Schönenwegenby BGS & Partner Architekten AG, Sankt Gallen, Switzerland
Sited atop an existing plateau, this sports hall design uses the gym space as a plinth for a sports field above. Completing the pattern of alternating open spaces and built volumes within its context, the design orients the common platform of the schoolyard to the scenery of the Burgweiher area.
© Thomas Jantscher
© Thomas Jantscher
Multipurpose Sports Hall and Secondary Schoolby Graeme Mann & Patricia Capua Mann architects, Apples, Switzerland
Designed as a sports hall and school to serve multiple municipalities, this project was formed with two volumes that combine to form an “L” in plan. Housing the multipurpose space and classrooms, the two volumes are strongly linked to the site and surrounding environment.
© LAN Architecture
© LAN Architecture
© LAN Architecture
Gymnasium and Town Hall Esplanadeby LAN Architecture, Payerne, Switzerland
Addressing urban issues through the design, Chelles’s central square and a gymnasium, this project links the Park of Remembrance with Weczerka high school and the local town hall. Exploring the idea of an agora, the design redefines and enhances urban spaces through its connections.
© Frei Rezakhanlou architectes
© Frei Rezakhanlou architectes
Multi-purpose hall in Lausanne by Frei Rezakhanlou architectes, Lausanne, Switzerland
Located in a residential area in the heart of Lausanne, this multipurpose sports hall was created as a new underground facility that preserves park and lake views. Four programmatic volumes surround the main hall to respond to different sections of the project brief.
© Thomas Jantscher
© Thomas Jantscher
Dual sports hallby Graeme Mann & Patricia Capua Mann architects, Crassier, Switzerland
The Dual Sports Hall project was made to take advantage of the break in its terrain to reduce the impact of the building volume on the site. Showcasing view and continuous spaces, the design uses a static system of multi-trellis beams.
© JAN HENRIK HANSEN ARCHITECTS
© Roger Frei
Badminton Hall Langnau by JAN HENRIK HANSEN ARCHITECTS, Langnau am Albis, Switzerland
This badminton hall was created as an addition to the Tennis and Squash Center Sihltal. Made with five courts and a multifunctional zone, the design includes parking below.
© Corinne Cuendet
© Corinne Cuendet
Multipurpose sports hallby Graeme Mann & Patricia Capua Mann architects, Villaz-Saint-Pierre, Switzerland
Located in the village of Villaz-Saint-Pierre, this multipurpose sports hall was built on a hilltop facing the Fribourg Alps. The new hall hugs the sloping landscape while opening up to views of the countryside. The building was designed to accommodate both sports activities and community functions.
© Roger Frei
© Roger Frei
Sports Hall Linthalby Spoerri Thommen Architekten AG, Linthal, Glarus Süd, Switzerland
Made as a new focal point and meeting place, the Sports Hall Linthal design uses three sides of the building for play and rest between lessons. The gym and outdoor sports are bridged by the volume of the flat-angled roof, while the inner layout and organization follow the natural landscape.
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