Toni-Areal, Educational complex in District 5, Zürich, Switzerland.
Toni-Areal is an educational building complex in Zurich with multiple halls, workshops, and studio spaces arranged across a large site. Different levels are connected by a vertical circulation system using ramps and stairs, creating open pathways through the structure.
This was originally a milk processing factory for the Toni brand and was completely transformed by architects EM2N in 2014. The transformation marked a major shift in Zurich's District 5 as the neighborhood transitioned from pure industrial use to mixed residential and working areas.
This site serves as a creative hub for artistic and design education, where students regularly work on fashion, graphic design, and product projects. The spaces show the energy of young creative professionals developing their skills across multiple disciplines.
The building has multiple entrances and is designed to be pedestrian-friendly with a continuous ramp system that manages different level changes. Visitors should allow time to explore the interconnected spaces, as there are many areas to discover throughout the site.
The building preserves many original elements from the former factory, such as exposed pipes and raw materials, integrated into the new design. This blend of industrial heritage and modern education creates an unusual working environment that makes the site's history visible.
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