© Radek Brunecky . Published on February 24, 2011.

The new exhibit is located in the newly renovated Naturwissenschaften Ost building on the campus of the ETH. The concept and design connect the existing historical- mineralogical-geological collection of with contemporary research done at the institute.

© Radek Brunecky . Published on February 24, 2011.

The centerpiece of the exhibition is a tower located in the covered courtyard. The free-standing spiral form of the exhibition tower sets itself confidently apart from the existing building. Analogous to the forces at work below the earth`s surface, the tower spirals up three levels reaching just below the skylight of the inner courtyard. The levels of the exhibit tower recall the behaviour of tectonic plates that are interfused with slanted vertical volumes.

© Radek Brunecky . Published on February 24, 2011.

With its velvety, solid surface, the tower resembles a rock outcropping. Cut-aways and transparent surfaces yield numerous views into and through the exhibition levels. The tower is supported by a light-weight steel frame. Holzer Kobler Architects, Zürich curated the exhibit material in close collaboration with the scientists at the Earth Sciences Institute at ETH, and were responsible for the entire design process. The implementation of the design was carried out in partnership with ANS Architects and Planer AG.

© Radek Brunecky . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Radek Brunecky . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Radek Brunecky . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Radek Brunecky . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Radek Brunecky . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Radek Brunecky . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Radek Brunecky . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Radek Brunecky . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Radek Brunecky . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Radek Brunecky . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Radek Brunecky . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Holzer Kobler Architekturen . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Holzer Kobler Architekturen . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Holzer Kobler Architekturen . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Holzer Kobler Architekturen . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Holzer Kobler Architekturen . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Holzer Kobler Architekturen . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Holzer Kobler Architekturen . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Holzer Kobler Architekturen . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Holzer Kobler Architekturen . Published on February 24, 2011.

© Holzer Kobler Architekturen . Published on February 24, 2011.