In June 2003, ANS
Architekten und Planer SIA AG won the General Planner Competition for the
restoration of and structural adaptations to the NE / NW buildings of the ETH
Zürich's Department of Earth Sciences (D-ERDW). The brief comprised the
NWwing's partial renovation and installation of a clean-room laboratory. The NE
wing (NO) underwent complete renovation, including all technical and mechanical
facilities. New integration of Laboratories, offices, auditoriums and a
library. In cooperation with the Historic Buildings & Monuments Services, the
inner courtyard was restored to its original state, which required the complete
removal of a ceiling. This exhibition section was completed in spring 2009 and
houses the D-ERDW's collection. The façade of the 1968 superstructure was
complemented by timber façade elements. The space available to the D-ERDW has
been significantly enhanced without any major interventions in the building
stock.