Location: Basel, Switzerland, 2006
Architect: Peter Mãrkli
Model scale: 1:500
Details
Before the advent of modern scientific methods in chemistry and pharmacology, it was the alchemists who endeavored to discover cures for human diseases. The office building Peter Märkli architekten designed for the pharmaceutical giant Novartis Pharma is reminiscent of the other alchemy company, its attempts to transform base metals into gold: or rather, Märkli has managed to maintain this illusion. The anodized aluminum of the load-bearing facades has been covered with a champagne-colored paint and the air ducts which cross the roof are covered with sandwich panels in gilded aluminum. While these unseen items of service are often an eyesore, here they look like expensive treasures. Text from Author
