Bystronic, a globally leading Swiss company specializing in laser cutting systems for sheet metal bending and cutting, commissioned us to design a cutting system experience center and office space. We decided to incorporate the company’s core principles—bending and cutting—into the architectural vocabulary.
To begin, we calculated the total required space to determine the building area and mass, applied it to the site, and then shaped the mass by “bending” it along the horizontal axis. The main spaces—the cutting machine experience center and the office area—were designated first. The remaining auxiliary spaces were segmented, and the mass was “cut” to separate these areas. Finally, a tall staircase was inserted to connect the spaces.
The building’s exterior resembles a solid block of metal. Upon closer inspection, vertical lines etched into the steel panels stimulate the tactile senses. The façade along the southeastern sidewalk, a key pedestrian route, appears large and defensive, creating a sense of enclosure. However, this is suddenly interrupted by a striking two-story glass curtain wall that provides visual relief and draws attention to the interior of the experience center.
The east and west entrances emphasize their presence through a façade treatment that mimics the visual impression of cutting, reinforcing the theme of the company’s technology.
The experience center is designed as a two-story, open column-free space to enhance a sense of spaciousness. Vertical windows are strategically placed along each road-facing side to focus the viewer’s attention.
The office area is situated above the experience center, creating a physical and visual separation from visitors while ensuring an efficient work environment. The office design integrates green spaces to provide a more productive and pleasant atmosphere for employees.
A striking red staircase serves as a transition from the experience center to the office. This bold design element not only reinforces the company’s branding but also functions as a symbolic and physical threshold, guiding users into a distinctly different spatial experience.
