The new exhibit is located in the newly renovated
Naturwissenschaften Ost building on the campus of the ETH.
The concept and design connect the existing historical-
mineralogical-geological collection of with contemporary research
done at the institute.
The centerpiece of the exhibition is a tower located in the covered
courtyard. The free-standing spiral form of the exhibition tower sets
itself confidently apart from the existing building. Analogous to the
forces at work below the earth`s surface, the tower spirals up three
levels reaching just below the skylight of the inner courtyard. The
levels of the exhibit tower recall the behaviour of tectonic plates that
are interfused with slanted vertical volumes.
With its velvety, solid surface, the tower resembles a rock outcropping.
Cut-aways and transparent surfaces yield numerous views into and
through the exhibition levels. The tower is supported by a light-weight
steel frame.
Holzer Kobler Architects, Zürich curated the exhibit material in close
collaboration with the scientists at the Earth Sciences Institute at ETH,
and were responsible for the entire design process. The implementation
of the design was carried out in partnership with ANS Architects and
Planer AG.
