Superblock Winterthur ― A Project With Architect Krischanitz

The Superblock in the Swiss town of Winterthur is a design by the Vienna-based firm Architekt Krischanitz. It is the winning submission to the competition for the conversion of a former industrial site in the heart of town. The project is rooted in the former industrial environment and continues the given urban scale and structure. TheSuperblock combines one of the former workshops of Sulzer, a huge space where the ancient Swiss company’s once legendary big diesel engines were assembled, with new buildings. The new complex comprises large office spaces for Winterthur’s municipal administration and for AXA Winterthur insurance company, as well a as multi-unit housing. A key feature is a vast central courtyard offering a public open space. Included is also the preserved building in which Johann Jakob and Salomon Sulzer opened their first foundry in 1834.

This new building monograph documents the Superblock project comprehensively. Photographs and numerous plans and visualizations show the development of the entire site and the new complex. In a conversation, Adolf Krischanitz explains his architectural and urbanist concept and offers insights to the design and building process. An essay on the eventful history of Sulzer’s former manufacturing site, its recent development and new use rounds out the book.