It is one of only two technical universities in Switzerland; about 6,000 students study there, 200 teachers, 3,000 researchers and other staff work.
181 bureaus from 21 countries took part in the competition, 12 candidates reached the final, including such eminent candidates as Zaha Hadid, Herzog & de Meuron, Rem Koolhaas, Jean Nouvel, Mecano, Diller Scofidio + Renfro. They were required to design a training center that would not only house the university library and give students access to information on the Internet, but also serve as a place for communication, research, creating interdisciplinary working groups, etc. It should give EPFL space to grow in 21st century.
The Japanese bureau SANAA was announced the winner. Their proposal is a building with soft, flowing shapes, light, translucent, with a wide variety of interior spaces - from huge lobbies to quiet offices. The complex includes the library itself, educational and exhibition premises, a congress center and a cafe - all on an area of 10,000 m2. The idea of the project is the permeability of all spatial boundaries, the original interconnection of different levels. The center will become the "heart" of the university's campus, said EPFL President Patrick Ebisher.
