Discover Germany | Special Theme | Switzerland’s Finest Architects
Urnäsch AR, extension and conversion of residential house, 2009-2011.
Urnäsch AR, residential house, 2009-2011.
Quality first
Wallisellen ZH, Zwicky Areal, renovation of cotton-spinning mill, 2011-2015.
When it comes to construction trends in 2017, sustainability and high quality are more important than ever. This approach fits perfectly with Zurich-based firm ZANONI Architekten, who have preferred long-lasting quality over short-term attention for 35 years. In our interview, founder Tomaso Zanoni explains his recipe for success and what his Swiss heritage has to do with all this.
they have been with us for many years, their comprehensive experience means that we add a lot of value to our projects. One thing that we observe every day is that our large-scale experience enhances our work on the little things and vice versa.”
TEXT: SONJA IRANI I PHOTOS: ZANONI ARCHITEKTEN, ELIAS VETTER; VISUALISATIONS: ZANONI ARCHITEKTEN
A Swiss speciality “Our business is comprised of several different divisions. As such, we are just as much urban planners as we are architects or consultants,” says Tomaso Zanoni, who founded ZANONI Archiekten in 1982 after a successful career as a freelance architect and lecturer. Ever since then, he and his team have realised a wide range of challenging projects within architecture, consulting and urban planning.
sultation as well as strategic studies and procedure models to planning and realising construction projects.
A broad portfolio
“Much of our success is due to our dedicated team, which is made up of 15 highly qualified employees,” says Zanoni. “Since
The services that ZANONI Architekten offers today, include comprehensive con114 | Issue 48 | March 2017
When it comes to architecture, Zanoni and his team have realised a range of different stylistic buildings – from small-scale and exclusive residential construction to largescale public buildings such as offices and schools.
But broad does not mean that the work of ZANONI Architekten is not accurate. Quite the opposite is true: when it comes to work ethics, Zanoni and his team put a well thought-out plan above everything else. “Some say it’s a Swiss characteristic to be a careful planner and thinker,” he says. “And I think that’s true. We are indeed extremely thorough in everything we do. In the world of construction, this means that we carefully think through a project from start to finish and consider every little detail. That, in turn, ensures a high level of