New headquarters of the Divisione spazi urbani

The first prize in the single-phase design competition organized by the City of Lugano for the new headquarters of the Divisione Spazi Urbani (Urban Spaces Division, DSU) at Piano della Stampa was awarded to the "Ginger and Fred" project by the interdisciplinary team led by Epure Architecture et Urbanisme SA from Moudon.

The competition involved 13 interdisciplinary teams tasked with creating a proposal that would meet the various construction and functional needs of the new headquarters.

The jury stated: "The project features a structured base on which two buildings are positioned, clearly defining work and circulation spaces. The relationship between the mineral base and the light architectural expression of the building above it is appreciated. The arrangement of volumes responds effectively to the terrain’s morphology and the relationship with the riverside park, resolving a complex theme with a few simple gestures."

To realize the winning project, the Municipal Government of Lugano will invest CHF 55.6 million.

The new structure will also house the workshops and storage areas of the Divisione Gestione e Manutenzione (Management and Maintenance Division), the signage laboratory of the Polizia Città di Lugano (Lugano City Police), and a storage area for the Corpo Civici Pompieri (firefighters). The requested credit for constructing the new headquarters and redeveloping the external areas will enable the creation of a modern, flexible, and functional facility, contributing to the urban redevelopment of an area currently used for inert material storage.

Specifically, the costs include CHF 33.1 million for the building, CHF 4.1 million for preparatory work, and CHF 7.6 million for external redevelopment work. The remaining investment covers land costs, furnishings, fees, VAT, and other secondary expenses.

The development of the core of the Nuovo Quartiere di Cornaredo, a strategic area for the City and the Canton, can progress thanks to the relocation of the Divisione Spazi Urbani from its current headquarters in Via Sonvico and the prioritization of the P&R and intermodal public transport hub. The new headquarters will be built on a 37,800-square-meter municipal property.

The final project involves two buildings connected by a central courtyard. The arrangement of the two-level volumes reflects the terrain’s morphology and integrates with the riverside park. The southern volume will house storage areas, garages, and workshops for the Divisione Gestione e Manutenzione, while the northern building will contain spaces for personnel, DSU workshops, and administrative offices.

The new headquarters will accommodate about 300 jobs, including around 80 administrative roles and the rest comprising workers, mechanics, gardeners, environmental operators, etc. The building, in line with the city’s goals to maintain the Energy City® label and promote Lugano’s energy evolution, will be certified to the Minergie®-A standard. Notably, photovoltaic panels will be installed on the roof, green roofs will be added to the flat structures, and a wood chip thermal plant will support energy savings and sustainable forest management.

At the main entrance to the future DSU headquarters, a new roundabout will be constructed to allow buses and trucks to turn around. Parking areas will be located in the northern zone near the main entrance.

Construction began in March 2023.
 

Last update: 3 January 2024