Nadine Jakob & Alessia Läser

Responsibility, ingenuity, openness, respect, inclusion, and empowerment": These are the values promised by ETH Zürich. However, these values are not evident in the ML Building, the former machine laboratory. The ML building lacks barrier-free access for everyone creating exclusion due to injuries, disability, or aging. The work of different architects over time, without considering it as a cohesive structure with a central hall, has made circulation within the building difficult and is lacking a main entrance. A valuable and rare covered interior space in the core of the building stands unused, currently awaiting its planned use for research of drones. Shouldn't this space also serve the users of the building, the department, and the people of the city? 

Furthermore ETH Zürich is responsible for educating a small part of the nation, but why isn't it also responsible for providing education for all people interested? Shouldn't equal treatment be the standard for all? 

The project proposes a new, large, barrier-free main entrance at street level leading directly into the hall. This will ensure accessibility for everyone. Part of the arcade leading to the main entrance will be unbuilt to create more transparency and openness to the building and therefore the university . The building's internal circulation issues will be addressed, and the hall will be reactivated by multiple uses. The addition of social infrastructure such as a tribune, boxes and c urtains will provide flexible usage, allowing various programs to take place. These programs will range from public readings, a research slot for drones, a kitchen workshop to sports. By incorporating diverse uses, the space will attract a variety of people, encouraging them to engage with each other and with the building.