Switzerland in images
Discover the beautiful or mysterious objects that are hidden in the aerial images of swisstopo.
The architectural Switzerland
The “Paul & Henri Carnal Hall” (Canton of Vaud)
Known locally as the “flying saucer”, the “Paul & Henri Carnal Hall” is an innovative space that blends harmoniously with the traditional architecture of the Institut Le Rosey in Rolle. The hall is designed specifically to foster learning in the arts – from music, sculpture and painting to theatre, photography and culinary arts. At the heart of this unique architectural concept are three key elements: the steel dome, with its stainless steel outer shell; the base, a two-storey concrete construction housing art studios, practice halls, the Learning Center, backstage areas and offices; and the building’s wooden core, which contains the philharmonic concert hall, the theatre, the music rehearsal space and the library. Metal, wood and glass are used abundantly in this futuristic architectural design. The “Paul & Henri Carnal Hall” is the brainchild of architect Bernard Tschumi and was constructed by Fehlmann Architectes. It was officially opened in 2014.
The “Baldachin” (BE)
The square in-front of Berne railway station is covered by an understated and elegant glass wave extending over 38 metres long and 40 metres wide. The “Baldachin” spans across the public transport stops and a large part of the square. It has naturally become the new gateway to the Old Town. This construction is based on a steel supporting structure composed of six box beams resting on 12 embedded steel columns. The transverse secondary beams, bent in both directions, define the wave shape of the roof. Between these secondary beams are tertiary beams to which the attachment points for the 528 various shapes of glass panes are fixed. The glass is held in place from above and the panes join together to form a delicate, precise and closed membrane. This project, commissioned by the City of Bern, is the result of the collaboration between several architectural and engineering firms. The “Baldachin” was completed in 2008 and received the “Prix Acier” (Swiss Steel Construction Prize) in 2009.
Rolex Learning Center (VD)
The Rolex Learning Center is located at the centre of the EPFL campus in Lausanne and was opened at the beginning of 2010. Built by the Japanese architectural firm SAANA, the Rolex Learning Center is designed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific progress and social interaction among students and external visitors. The building, with its rectangular floor plan, extends over 88,000 square metres of floor space and only touches the ground with barely visible supports. The roof runs parallel to the undulating floor. Inside, steps and staircases have been replaced by gentle slopes and terraces, which also divide up the different areas. In order to let enough light into the building, fourteen circular recesses have been incorporated into the platform. The building serves primarily as a library and with 500,000 volumes, represents the largest collection of scientific literature in Europe.
JungfrauPark Interlaken (BE)
With its unusual geometric shape, the JungfrauPark immediately stands out on the national map (and aerial photograph). The theme park was originally created by Erich von Däniken under the name of Mystery Park. After a change of ownership, it was reopened in 2010 under the name JungfrauPark. At the centre of the Jungfrau Park is a spherical tower, surrounded by seven themed pavilions where the great mysteries of this world are made accessible and can be experienced. These include, for example, an Egyptian pyramid and a Mayan temple.
Elephant Park Zurich Zoo (ZH)
Built in 2014, the Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park at Zurich Zoo is home to eight Asian elephants as well as nine other animal species such as blackbucks and Bali mynahs. The roof of the indoor enclosure, which is the size of a football field, is a cantilevered wooden dome with 271 skylights made of EFTE foil cushions and its appearance is supposed to be reminiscent of the leafy canopy of a forest. A highlight for visitors is the underwater viewing area, where you can watch the elephants swim through glass panes.
Vortex Lausanne (VD)
The Vortex, Latin for spiral, on the campus of the University of Lausanne has already been repurposed twice since its completion at the end of 2019. First it served as the Olympic village for the Lausanne Winter Youth Olympics, then it became temporary accommodation for hospital staff during the Covid pandemic, and since late summer 2020, it has been used as a residence for students at the University and EPF Lausanne. The circular building has a substantial external diameter of 137 metres and a 2.8 km long spiral arcade connecting the eight floors and providing access to all apartments.
Business Center Bellinzona (TI)
The building, designed by Mario Botta, consists of solid building materials such as natural stone, brick and concrete. Due to the strictly geometric, simple design language and the well thought-out handling of light and shade, the Business Center in Bellinzona is a typical building by the Ticino architect. The main entrance to the circular, 5-storey building is accessed via a bridge that leads across the inner courtyard.
Pulvermühle residential development (GR)
The Pulvermühle residential development in Chur is based on a site steeped in history. As the German name suggests, a powder mill for the production of black powder was located there in 1842. More than a hundred years later, the site of the current development became the headquarters of a metal processing company. Since 2016, the Chur climbing hall, a bakery, apartments and offices have been located in the urban development with its green inner courtyard.
Fiore di pietra, Monte Generoso (TI)
The Fiore di pietra, translated as stone flower, has been the landmark of Monte Generoso since 2017. The building is enthroned on a mountainous rock plateau at 1,700 metres and bears the signature of the internationally renowned Ticino architect Mario Botta. The construction of the octagonal building with the individual petals was carried out under difficult logistical conditions due to its location. From Capolago on Lake Lugano, a rack railway takes you to the two restaurants and the conference room located in the "Fiore di pietra".
Goetheanum, Dornach (SO)
Located in Dornach, the Goetheanum building was built between 1925 and 1928. It has the particularity of not having any right angles. Rudolf Steiner, founder of anthroposophy, was responsible for its design. He gave it this name in reference to the works of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The building houses the centre of the Anthroposophical Society. The building is equipped with a large theatre hall where performances are given.
Foundation Jan Michalski, Montricher VD
It was at the foothills of the Jura in Montricher, in 2004, that Vera Michalski, in memory of her husband, created the Jan Michalski Foundation. Its mission is to promote literary creation and encourage the practice of reading through various activities and exhibitions. The current building is the result of the work of numerous architects with different sensibilities, giving a choice setting for books and writing and offering visitors an exceptional view of the Alps and Lake Geneva.
Bus terminal, Aarau station (AG)
According to plans by the Zurich architects Vehovar & Jauslin, the special roof over the bus terminal was completed in 2014 and has since been called the "cloud" by the population. The roof structure is supported by a steel frame and consists of an air-supported foil cushion because the architects aimed to welcome passengers in a bright and friendly environment. The air cushion roof provides the necessary weather protection, but allows a view of the sky through the recess in the middle.
map.swisstopo.admin.ch
- The "Paul & Henri Carnal Hall" (VD)
- The "Baldachin" (BE)
- Rolex Learning Center (VD)
- JungfrauPark Interlaken (BE)
- Elephant Park Zurich Zoo (ZH)
- Vortex Lausanne (VD)
- Business Center Bellinzona (TI)
- Pulvermühle residential development (GR)
- Fiore di pietra, Monte Generoso (TI)
- Goetheanum, Dornach (SO)
- Foundation Jan Michalski, Montricher (VD)
- Bus terminal, Aarau station (AG)
Images for downloading
-
The "Paul & Henri Carnal Hall" (VD)
JPEG, 3841x2161 px, 5 MB -
The "Baldachin" (BE)
JPEG, 3841x2161 px, 5 MB -
Rolex Learning Center (VD)
JPEG, 3841x2161 px, 4 MB -
JungfrauPark Interlaken (BE)
JPEG, 3841x2161 px, 8 MB -
Elephant Park Zurich Zoo (ZH)
JPEG, 3841x2161 px, 5 MB -
Vortex Lausanne (VD)
JPEG, 3841x2161 px, 4 MB -
Business Center Bellinzona (TI)
JPEG, 3841x2161 px, 4 MB -
Pulvermühle residential development (GR)
JPEG, 3841x2161 px, 11 MB -
Fiore di pietra, Monte Generoso (TI)
JPEG, 3841x2161 px, 5 MB -
Goetheanum, Dornach (SO)
JPEG, 3841x2161 px, 10 MB -
Foundation Jan Michalski, Montricher (VD)
JPEG, 3841x2161 px, 13 MB -
Bus terminal, Aarau station (AG)
JPEG, 2882x1622 px, 6 MB
With mention of the copyright ©swisstopo, the images may be used cost-free.
Further information
P.O. Box
3084 Wabern
- Tel.
- +41 58 469 01 11
Relevant authority
Topography
Geodata Distribution
