Sophia Humpeler & Madita Müller

Research from past semesters demonstrates that within ETH, there is potential to accommodate more people at more times with a wider range of programs. This makes us question its current demand for more space and urges us instead to explore strategies of densification. Who are we densifying for? Should ETH only cater to its own needs or also open up for other citizens? Shouldn't education be a resource open for all?

ETH Immobilien approaches several buildings in the central campus as part of the "Kulturmeile": an urban scheme of public outside spaces alongside a stretch of buildings composing a historical cityscape. We believe that this concept of the "Kulturmeile" will be stronger when the public domain flows inside. Lowering this threshold could be an active component of the university's politics to diversify its future student and staff body.

Our project proposes a series of spatial interventions that improve the usage of CHN through acts of unbuilding. The unbuilt spaces prioritize productivity, collective intelligence, and communal discussions, spaces that do not compete with those at home. By offering spaces beyond ETH for startups, the "Autonome Schule," or urban gardening, alongside more stable and profitable programs like renting out lecture halls, CHN accommodates uses that often struggle to find space. An institution and a building of this size together allow us to bundle these potentials and create synergies. This co-existence is realized by redefining circulation patterns and moderating between private and public spaces.

We believe that buildings often reflect how society was at a particular time and that architecture can preserve these images. Representation matters, and by rethinking the architecture of a place, we can also rethink the institution and therefore redefine its image. Changes should be visible in the architectural expression, allowing for the creation of new associations with a place.

We find our task in devising spatial scenarios that allow the co-existence of different uses and users in CHN. By opening for more "public" uses, we believe that ETH can truly become a "public" institution.