© Kazuyo Sejima & Ryue Nishizawa - Sanaa . Pubblicata il 10 Novembre 2005.

The Learning Center at the EPFL ( École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne ) is a multi-program facility housing a library, language center, offices, café, restaurant, and multipurpose hall. The university wanted to unify the campus with the neighboring state school with the Learning Center as the shared center.

Located centrally on the site, people can gather with ease in this one-room space. The roof and floor undulates gently with patios located in different sizes and shapes. The main entrance can be approached from all four sides by walking under the slab. Visitors then stroll up the gentle curves, or walk past the patios to access the various programs. From the slightly higher areas, views of the existing campus, Lake Le Man, and the Alps can be enjoyed.

Changes in height, as well as large and small patios create different atmospheres. During large events, the multipurpose hall seats could be extended up the slopes; one could quietly read a book from the library on a hill with a nice view; or drink coffee in the large patio. We aimed to create a space where activities are gently separated but at the same time naturally blending into one another.