Project Description
Architecture
On The Boards
It’s been a good month and a half for Paris-based firm Dominique Perrault Architecture (DPA): first the announcement of The Blade (part of the Yongsan International Business District), then the groundbreaking ceremony for the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). And now another competition win, this time for the Esplanade Tower in Fribourg, Switzerland. Partnering with full-service contractor Steiner SA group, with whom they also worked on the EPFL, DPA will also collaborate with local architect Architram. The 18-story mixed-use tower will rise 60 meters (197 feet) over the site of the former Pilettes rail station, and will stack programs of housing, offices, and commercial ventures. Although rail activity at the station ceased 80 years ago, the Swiss Federal railways (CFF) have just begun the area’s revitalization. A public exhibition of the competition entries will be on display on the site through July 8; DPA expects project completion in late 2015.