Swiss and UK practices EMA Eric Maria Architectes Associés sa, Donald Insall Associates, and HTA Design have been selected through an international design competition to transform the Bassenges Estate in Switzerland into the new Bernoulli Centre for the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).
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The winning scheme will repurpose the historic buildings in the Bassenges complex, creating a dynamic world-class research hub. Inspired by the site’s natural and cultural history in the Lac Léman basin, the vision introduces a biodiverse landscape that expands EPFL’s campus offering, making it a destination for both the Academia and the wider community. Our design concept reinstates the Renaissance idea of ‘The Three Natures’- wilderness, agriculture, and the garden – working together as a palimpsest to maximise spaces for people, wildlife, and food production.
The masterplan draws from the estate’s historic layout by reinstating building hierarchies and restoring direct connections between architecture and open spaces. By blending heritage restoration with thoughtful new interventions, the design celebrates the site’s distinctive character while welcoming students, researchers, and visitors alike.
Natalia Roussou, Landscape Design Director, HTA Design, said:
“Our vision for the Bernoulli Centre is to create an attractive and well-connected biophilic landscape for the use of both the international Academia and local community, enhancing biodiversity and promoting eco-agriculture. We are excited to have been selected by EPFL for this significant project, supporting a world class research hub in the field of Applied Sciences, and look forward to working with EMA and DIA to bring this vision to life.”