The Toni Areal, a former milk processing facility in West Zurich, was transformed into a new university, dormitory and cultural events complex. It’s a facility for the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), various public events and Restaurants.
The lighting design is influenced by the room concept. A simple, modular lighting system designed by vogtpartner was installed in the passageways and classrooms. The different arrangements were determined according to the usage of the given space. The lighting system has 12 different methods of controlling the direction of light and is flexible enough to accommodate new usages of a space. The design of the lighting system is in accord with the industrial character of the building.
In the gastronomy area and the so-called gems of the complex, i.e. concert halls, jazz club, and library, among others, the lighting was conceived according to the individual usage and interior decorations of the room. In the organ concert hall, for example, narrow beam ceiling lights were designed that throw little light on the acoustical wall panels from Cupolux but which themselves reflect the lights above on their highly polished surfaces.
