Swiss Ornithological Institute Visitor Center
The new Swiss Ornithological Institute visitor center is located directly on the shores of Lake Sempach and allows the public to experience the work of the Swiss Ornithological Institute and the local birdlife.
A dynamic network of paths leads through the exhibition and the lake site. Two polygonal structures are positioned in direct relation to the landscape and the lake. One of them houses the flexible exhibition hall. The space in between becomes a spacious foyer from which all parts of the exhibition can be accessed. A display aviary at the end of the foyer marks the flowing transition from inside to outside.
The rammed earth façade consists of 35 cm (bird care) or 45 cm (exhibition) thick, prefabricated elements. They are self-supporting in front of a reinforced concrete skeleton structure. The Corten steel window frames are a special design feature: They were moved together with the rammed earth façade and – just like the windows – are anchored directly in the clay.
Swiss Ornithological Institute
Lehm Ton Erde Baukunst GmbH
