Superblock Winterthur

The Superblock in the Swiss city of Winterthur is the winning design for the conversion of a former industrial site in today s heart of town. Continuing the given urban scale and structure, the Superblock combines a former workshop, a huge space where once the legendary vast Sulzer diesel engines were assembled, with new buildings. The new complex comprises large office spaces for Winterthur s municipal administration and for an international insurance company, as well a as multi-unit housing. A key feature is a vast central courtyard offering a public open space. This new book documents the Superblock project comprehensively. Photographs and numerous plans and visualisations show the development of the entire site and the new complex. In a conversation, architect Adolf Krischanitz explains his architectural and urbanist concept and offers insights to the design and building process. An essay on the eventful history of Sulzer s former manufacturing site, its recent development and new use rounds out the book.