Substation in Oerlikon by illiz architektur

The trio of Viennese architects from the studio illiz faced a number of challenges when designing the traction station in the Zurich district of Oerlikon. Simply because technologies like these (cable laying channels, special crane tracks) are not commonly encountered. The vast majority of the transformer station is placed underground. Architects Petra Meng, Sabrina Mehlan, and Stefanie Wögrath had little chance to influence the purely technical content and internal operations. The two-storey above-ground section is enveloped by a gray façade made of galvanized perforated sheets. Small square openings illuminate the building at night, slightly revealing the internal activity and further stimulating curiosity. Thanks to the folding shutters and garage doors, the structure is constantly changing throughout the day. Surface concretes finished with red, orange, or green glazes contribute to easier internal orientation and a better atmosphere. Swiss artist Yves Netzhamer was also invited to collaborate, designing an audiovisual installation Der Gefangene Floh (the captured flea) for this building, which repeats every two hours. Based on this successful realization, the Electricity Works of the City of Zurich commissioned the architects from the studio illiz for another substation project.