Centro Cinque Continenti, Lugano, Switzerland 1986-1992

Project: 1986
Construction: 1989-1992
Partner: arch. Gianfranco Agazzi, Lugano
Client: Rolf J. Fassbind
Site area: 2'865m²
Useful surface: 4'300 m²
Volume: 13'000 m³

The cylindrical building, clad in brick, is set in a residential area of Lugano-Paradiso. It opens towards the lake thanks to the presence of a large square-shaped plaza covered by a glass and metal structure. At the back of the plaza is another cylindrical body made of glass housing the stairwells to the balconies. The building is composed of two floors underground and six floors above ground. On the ground floor the plaza provides access to the different stores. The openings, of different shapes and sizes, distinguish the administrative spaces (set in the first three levels) from the apartments on the upper levels.