Viollier AG

With 36 locations across Switzerland and around 800 employees, Viollier AG is one of the country’s leading family-owned companies in the field of laboratory medicine. Founded in 1953, Viollier offers a broad spectrum of medical analyses and diagnostics, and is considered one of the most significant players in the industry.

Due to continuous company growth, the need for additional space increased—this demand is now being met through the acquisition of the building located directly across the street.

As architects, our goal was to design the new office building in a way that would optimise workflows, centralise processes, and foster communication through shorter internal routes. To achieve this, the previously cramped and non-communicative spatial structure was replaced by an open, light-filled layout. At the heart of each floor, a new service core was created, housing a kitchenette, copy area, lockers, and washrooms—designed to serve as a central hub for exchange and interaction.

Surrounding these hubs are open-plan, naturally lit office areas. The layout of the workspaces also incorporates numerous retreat areas and meeting rooms that encourage both flexibility and collaboration. On the ground floor, seminar and meeting rooms were added, and the entrance area was opened up and transformed into a spacious cafeteria with outdoor seating.

A further key element of the project was the presentation of the client’s art collection. With specialised wall lighting—so-called "wallwashers"—the artworks are now showcased to full effect and can be experienced from the workspaces.

New Walkway for Better Connectivity
‍To shorten travel distances and improve the connection between the two buildings, the construction of a new walkway was an essential part of the project. The walkway connects the existing building with the new office space, creating a direct and efficient link between the two structures. With a length of 16 metres and a height difference of 2.25 metres, it makes a significant contribution to optimising workflows and strengthening communication. Thanks to special glazing and white steel, the walkway has a light and airy appearance that blends well with the existing architecture without dominating it.

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