SQUARE – Sou Fujimoto
The building designed by Sou Fujimoto for the University of St.Gallen (HSG) is based on the concept of creating spaces that facilitate innovative types of learning and interaction with students, teachers, the surrounding nature and the neighbourhood. The name SQUARE refers to the public square in front of the building, where the focus is on meeting and exchanging. The grid of the building structure, with dimensions of 10 by 10 meters, also draws on the shape of the square.
The spatiality of the building unfolds vertically with 4 floors and 92 terraced cubes, which take the contour lines of the St. Gallen landscape as a reference and allow SQUARE to enter in dialogue with its environment.
Four pillars give shape to the project that breaks the traditional image of the master teacher as a source of all wisdom, by symbolically and physically releasing ourselves from the classic classroom typology: The Cloister, is a continuous path of learning, creating both opportunities for dialogue and retreat simultaneously.
The Forum is a unique space that hosts large open functions of the New Learning Center and the St Gallen University. This large and tall space represents the symbol of a classical forum in which discussions take place.
Nature is integrated into the learning environment, freeing the act of studying from an interior physical boundary. Learning happens anywhere, including the exterior spaces. This architecture opens to the sun, fresh air, birds, and anything that the outside world can offer to inspire.
Transparency. A space with no hiding, no hierarchy, everything is easy to see, to find and easy to reach.
These elements strongly resonate within the project and create a unique space where students and university members can freely interact and connect with the world beyond.
