Welcome to the ARX Universe
A global network of smart minds providing cutting-edge solutions in complex design and engineering
360° Expertise
ARX operates across numerous engineering and design domains. In this interview with our CTO, Davide Merlini, we gain a better understanding of how ARX attained this varied expertise and delve into aspects of broader strategic development. Davide draws on his professional experience, which began underground and evolved into a brilliant career spanning more than 20 years.
After completing his studies in civil engineering at the Polytechnic and prior work experience, Davide began his career with the company in September 2004 at the group’s offices in Lugano. The Base Tunnels and other infrastructure projects were his springboard to a brilliant career as a designer and manager. Davide now serves as CTO and as a member of the group management.
Davide Merlini Chief Technical Officer ARX
Hobbies:
• Friends & Fun Ski
• Sports
Music playlist:
• Sultans of swing
• Don’t Stop Believin’
• Work hard, play hard
• Baila Morena
• Pulenta e galina fregia
• Sound of silence
Davide Merlini
Hi Davide, how did you end up devoting your career to excavating tunnels? Was it an innate passion for the underground world, or was it more by chance?
I’d say a bit of both. I’ve always had a passion for engineering, and when I started working, I found myself facing the world of underground construction and largescale project implementation. Evidently, I’m still in it!
Your portfolio includes projects such as the Ceneri Base Tunnel, Brenner Base Tunnel, TELT, and CERN. How have these projects allowed you to grow and helped the company evolve?
I approach each project with this fundamental principle: we apply expertise and learn at the same time. Truthfully, I strive to learn something new from each person involved. Being both an expert and a learner requires combining confidence in one’s knowledge with humility and the willingness to listen. I am convinced that working with this mindset has contributed to my professional and personal growth. Each successful project has added value to my experience. For example, the Ceneri Base Tunnel was a major project that kickstarted the company’s development. With BBT and TELT, we transferred the skills we had acquired to the alpine dimension, engaging with diverse languages, European mindsets, and technical approaches. And CERN represents the journey towards internationalization, multidisciplinary, and even more ambitious challenges. Thanks to the trust of clients and colleagues, I’ve had the pleasure to continue learning from diverse, challenging projects, both in Switzerland and abroad.
How have you seen the company’s overall know-how grow in recent years, and what does the company do to spread it?
Over the years, we have strengthened, expanded, and diversified across domains. As a result, we can now provide comprehensive services in complex global projects. We owe this growth to our colleagues, who, like me, have developed their talents within the company. In an organization like ours, it’s essential for everyone to feel valued and supported, and to feel part of a top-level team. To share our progress and learn from each other, colleagues take turns presenting their projects to the whole group at monthly meetings. In addition, we have collected 80 of our most iconic projects in a book that goes “around the world.”
Today and tomorrow: What is the company doing to stand out in an increasingly global and complex market?
Our group stands out by offering 360° consulting, with a good balance of cutting-edge technical skills, multi-sector project and contract management, and niche expertise. In our field, knowledge of the locality is essential to a project’s success. To this, we add the group’s expertise to provide flexible and well-rounded services for our clients. It’s also important to respond quickly, be proactive with stakeholders, and embrace compromise. For every problem, there are many solutions—our task is to find the best one.
Smart minds. How does that description of ARX employees affect our goal, “Make it happen”?
Watching our colleagues grow remains one of the greatest satisfactions of my work. We encourage our talented employees to take responsibility, engage with clients, and be entrepreneurs. Great projects and exciting prospects provide a constant source of inspiration. We always aim to enhance and develop both professional and personal growth, not only in the office but also during moments of relaxation and leisure: Just like in sports, we know that after every “training session” a good dose of recovery is necessary.
We end on a lighter note. What event in underground stands out as the most fun?
We’ve organized many events and enjoyed countless leisure activities, but personally, I think the fondue on-site with all the collaborators after the final breakthrough of the Ceneri Base Tunnel was definitely the “tastiest” event.
A global network of
smart
Projects in 75 countries with well over 150 airports and 200 bridges in excess of 3,000 completed buildings including 4,000 km of railways and metro with 5,000 km of tunnels a boost of 25,000 MW in hydropower and unlimited ideas
minds
Like an explosion of color, ARX has dramatic reach and vibrant potential. We celebrate our wide spectrum of expertise. At our core, we contain rare elements: unique thinkers and creators. Racing towards a future of efficiency and sustainability. ARX is driven by these individuals. With every team member exploring the borders of what we know, our impact grows, and our potential expands. The ARX universe is a nexus of talent and innovation, where infinitely more is possible. Tomorrow is bright. Tomorrow is colorful. With the enthusiasm of this vision, we travel towards this modern world. We trust the explorers, scientists, artists, designers, architects and engineers under the ARX banner to guide our journey. This enterprise is a gathering of smart minds, creating the future.
Futuristic fiction from ARX Editions
Author Michael Schindhelm imagines a sustainable future in Novalis 2029
“This book does not promise salvation, nor does it depict doomsday scenarios. Instead, it uses the format of a fictional diary to explore how civil engineering might help future generations around the globe live free from the threats of climate and geopolitical disasters. While it doesn’t offer definitive or guaranteed solutions, it provides suggestions on how a global society in the 21st century can be shaped through
ARX arrives in Copenhagen and Hamburg as it expands its presence across Europe
social change, economic creativity, and technological innovation.”
Written by Michael Schindhelm, this speculative fiction is told through the voice of Maren, an artist working for the engineering company Novalis, set in 2029 after the current climate crisis.
Published by ARX Editions, the narrative blends fiction with realworld insights from experts like Pierre de Meuron, Daniel Wiener, Sabrina
New offices in Europe add to our growing talent pool, enriching ARX’s ranks with their technical artistry and local perspectives. Collaborating with new colleagues, we open the door to innovation.
KHR Architecture in Denmark expands our expertise in the architectural sector. With around 80 professionals operating from offices in Copenhagen and Hamburg, ARX, under the brand KHR, reinforces its presence in Northern Europe, including countries such as Germany, Iceland, Greenland, and the broader Scandinavian region. This synergy between engineering and architecture will allow us to deliver increasingly complex and iconic projects.
Human Resources at Our Core
Bringing her 20 years of HR and business experience, Edda Rettinger has assumed the role of ARX’s Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).
engineering, architecture, urbanism, and sustainability politics.
This project presents a broader vision of the future—ARX’s vision. The reader sees not only through Maren’s eyes, but through the eyes of a company driven to transform society.
In parallel, the acquisition of Acting marks our expansion into all major engineering disciplines in the French market. In France, we are focusing on key sectors such as nuclear power, railways, and water management, further solidifying our reputation and appeal to both local and international clients.
These operations demonstrate ARX’s commitment to strengthening its position in this strategic country, paving the way for future growth and innovation in the key sectors of global infrastructure.
Finally, the acquisition of Aviation Competence in Austria represents a major step towards the creation of our new Business Line Airports, opening doors to the domain with over 150 international references. This development enables us to offer innovative, high-quality and integrated solutions in a fast-growing and highly demanding field.
This is an important step for ARX, bringing the needs of employees closer to the strategic part of business management. At the same time, her entry further strengthens the number of women in key positions within the company: something the group relies heavily on.
“The fascination and enthusiasm for people, digitalization and innovation have accompanied me since the beginning of my professional career and will continue to do so in this new professional challenge that I am looking forward to starting. The glue that binds leadership, strategy and execution is culture. People make the difference. I am glad to be part of ARX and shaping the future together.”
Kost, Aymen Cheikh Mhamed, and Andrea Galli, touching on the fields of
Digitalisation en BIM du Métro M2 de Lausanne
L’équipe géomatique de ARX a entamé les acquisitions 3D pour la digitalisation en BIM du métro M2 de Lausanne. Le défi qui a mis l’équipe à l’épreuve n’était pas seulement de proposer et de mettre en œuvre les solutions techniques les plus adaptées en termes de précision et de flexibilité, mais aussi d’optimiser le temps restreint à sa disposition, de gérer les conditions locales et de coordonner tous les acteurs impliqués dans l’intervention. Le métro le plus incliné du monde aura bientôt sa maquette 3D sémantique, facilitant ainsi la gestion de l’inventaire des objets et la modernisation de sa gestion.
Inauguration of Shimla’s New Tunnel: a Step Forward for Fegional Mobility and Safety
The opening of the new road tunnel parallel to the old Dhalli Tunnel is a crucial solution to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety in Shimla. This project addresses the growing population and tourist influx, increasing transit capacity and reducing travel times benefiting both residents and the many tourists traveling through Shimla to popular destinations like Kufri and Naldehra..
This new infrastructure marks a significant improvement in Shimla’s urban mobility and infrastructural resilience.
Autostrada N13: riapertura in tempi record della carreggiata nord-sud tra Soazza e Lostallo
Gli avvenimenti legati al maltempo nel Moesano hanno dimostrato, una volta ancora, la rilevanza sistemica delle infrastrutture di trasporto. L’improvvisa interruzione dell’autostrada N13 ha infatti comportato importanti disagi al complesso delle vie di comunicazioni che attraversano l’arco alpino.
ARX è stata coinvolta immediatamente nelle attività di progettazione e direzione lavori contribuendo, in collaborazione con tutti gli altri attori impegnati sul cantiere, a ripristinare in soli 10 giorni la carreggiata nord-sud, permettendo la ripresa del traffico veicolare.
Stärkung der Führung im Herzen der Alpen
Unsere Business Unit Schweiz und Österreich hat sich kürzlich in der malerischen Umgebung von Charmey im Kanton Freiburg versammelt. Diese jährliche Tradition war mehr als nur ein Treffen – sie war eine kraftvolle Erinnerung an die Stärke, die aus der Zusammenarbeit entsteht. Führung, Teamwork und ein gemeinsames Engagement für unsere Mission, definiert wer wir sind, und treibt uns voran.
What do the Kentucky Derby, Muhammad Ali, Slugger Baseball Bats, and ARX USA have in common?
They all call Louisville home!
ARX is happy to announce the opening of its first Kentucky office. In addition to these famous attributes, Louisville boasts an array of unique infrastructure projects—both in its past and on the horizon. Thanks for the warm welcome, Louisville! We are excited to be a part of modern engineering in the city’s future. Almost as excited as we are for Derby next year.
José Luis Câncio Martins
É com enorme prazer que comunicamos que o Engenheiro José Luis Câncio Martins, fundador da JLCM, foi distinguido com o prestigiado Prémio Carreira pela Ordem dos Engenheiros.
Este reconhecimento enaltece os 65 anos de uma carreira exemplar, marcada por mais de 200 projetos realizados, destacando-se pela excelência técnica, ética e moral que sempre nortearam o seu trabalho. Parabéns por este tão merecido reconhecimento!
People Behind the Project: Gotthard Second Road Tunnel – USTRA
16.9 km. 12.4 meters in diameter. 7.4 million tons of excavated material. 10 years of work and over 2 billion in investment. Five figures to give you a glimpse into the scale of this CompleXL project. Step into the heart of the Gotthard massif with our colleague Matteo Genini, and get an up-close look at this extraordinary feat of engineering.
¡ Nuevas oficinas ARX en Lima – Perú !
Con mucho placer y alegría les compartimos nuestra emoción por la apertura de nuestra nueva oficina en Lima, hemos desarrollado un diseño moderno y cómodo para un adecuado desarrollo de nuestras actividades, la misma que será útil para nuestros colaboradores, socios y clientes. ¡Un brindis desde Lima, Perú!
Mighty Quinn’s Steady Progress in Columbus
Work on the Lower Olentangy Tunnel (LOT) is taking ARX and Granite Construction beneath the Olentangy River, highways, utilities, sensitive structures, and densely populated areas of the City of Columbus. The TBM for this job—nicknamed Mighty Quinn— is ideal for boring through sand, gravel, cobbles, and boulders.
Talente të Shqipërisë ju mirëpresim!
ARX njofton me entuziazëm hapjen e zyrës sonë të re në Tiranë, duke shënjuar praninë tonë në Ballkan. Urimet më të mira për Simone Martella, Drejtuesin e Zyrës sone dhe për grupin e tij të përkushtuar! Mirëpresim të gjitha talentet që do na bashkohen në këtë kapitull të ri sfidues.
Welcome to ARX
In 2021 we launched our “glocal” strategy with the goal of building a global network of engineers and designers. Driven to impact the world of tomorrow, we set out to create and transform essential infrastructure.
Since then, we’ve attracted fresh talent through organic growth and select acquisitions. As a result, our larger family needs a new home—a space to foster diverse strengths, from underground engineering to energy, from industry to design.
Picture an arc in motion, traveling between our worldwide offices. What better metaphor for our continuous internal exchange? Each team works locally yet remains connected. The arc represents Swiss engineering and values traveling outward, and new ideas and innovation returning to us. Like a quantum field, our home is wherever we engage.
Our agility keeps us lean yet robust as we are guided by our talented team. ARX is more than a brand; it’s an adventure enriched with camaraderie and creativity as we make things happen! We invite you to join us as we embark, explore the unknown, and add value to society for generations to come.
Andrea Galli Chief Executive Officer ARX
Join us on our adventure
When the fictional Phileas Fogg sets out to accomplish this 19th century impossibility, readers know they are in for an adventure. And truly, Jules Verne’s timeless novel Around the world in eighty days delivers.
We invite you on a similar thrill ride through our book Around the world in eighty projects In these pages, you will discover all our most iconic projects and enjoy a fantastic summary of the expertise that shapes ARX today.
To request a copy please contact editions@arx.ing