The University of Zurich is set to open a new teaching and learning center by 2028 in the form of the FORUM UZH. The cantonal Building Department submitted the planning application on Monday, as detailed in a press release. Accordingly, the seven-story building designed by the architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron will be built in the form of a wooden hybrid construction with a supporting structure made from concrete. The use of wood should save as much CO2 as required for the construction of 77 single-family homes.
The roof of the new building will be home to a variety of foliage and therefore improve cooling in the summer and heat insulation in the winter. At the same time, a photovoltaic system will be installed on the roof as well, which should generate around 150 megawatt hours of electricity per year. This would be sufficient to power 50 homes.
Building work is due to begin in 2024. In the future, the new building will offer workspace for 700 students and 6,000 university members.
