Square

Hsg Learning Center for Evolution Design

Square or the learning center of the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland is an inspiring and vibrant environment for learning and teaching and gives students, lecturers and the wider society a future-oriented platform for exchange, dialogue and surprising encounters. The building was designed by Sou Fujimoto and architecture studio Evolution Design was tasked with creating a learning concept that responds to the innovative learning and teaching formats and enables maximum flexibility in the future. The interior concept is, therefore, dynamic and adaptable.

Download Press Kit № 147724

Download Press Kit № 147724 Hsg Learning Center for Evolution Design by Evolution Design to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

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Square by Evolution Design

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Hsg Learning Center by Evolution Design

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Evolution Design Square

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Evolution Design Hsg Learning Center

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Evolution Design Design Team Photo

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Square Hsg Learning Center Press Releases

Discover our press releases for Square available in the following languages: English.

Square Hsg Learning Center Media Articles

Explore our ready-to-use articles on Square, available in multiple languages: Dutch, Hindi, German, Indonesian, Italian, Spanish, English, Turkish, Arabic (Standard), French, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, Russian and Chinese (Mandarin), for your feature stories.

Unique Properties

Built as an open grid, Square is based on the concept of unbroken connectivity and multifunctionality. All spaces can be used for dynamic learning and teaching scenarios – from communication, collaboration and presentations in large groups to concentration and individual work. Most spaces are, therefore, equipped with movable furniture and equipment that perfectly match the requirements of the event taking place and the number of people in attendance.

Tags

SQUARE, HSG, University of St. Gallen (HSG), learning design, learning concept

Production Technology

To accommodate the daily changes in use of space, the interior architects developed a customized toolbox concept – a set of elements like furniture, presentation equipment, a foldable stage, rugs and plants – all of which can be easily combined to create distinctive layouts and atmospheres within the open plaza. To increase the spatial versatility, most items – from chairs and stools to whiteboards, tables and plants – are fitted with castor wheels allowing the items to be moved around freely.

Design Challenge

Our main task was supporting the artistic director’s team in modelling countless learning and event scenarios that can take place in Square and developing a comprehensive scheme of furniture, presentation equipment and architectural elements that would satisfy the current and future uses of the space. Additionally, we also designed the cafeteria and all 15 learning and meeting rooms.

Project Duration

The construction of the project started in November 2019 and was completed in November 2021. The interior fit-out project started in June 2021 and was completed in February 2022.

Operation Flow

Square consists of open plan areas – designed as an inspiring journey through the building – and fifteen rooms extended across three floors. The ground floor welcomes visitors with a cafeteria, a lounge, rooms for learning and pop-up events and the main open plaza. This is a bustling space where activities change daily: ranging from events with the participation of external guests to workshops, masterclasses and courses, and students working in groups on their projects.

Research

The University of St. Gallen aims to become a symbol of innovation in education and the new learning center is an important step towards achieving this goal. Built as a prototype for the university of the future, Square encourages dialogue between science, society, business, politics and culture. In the largest fundraising campaign in the history of the university, the Hsg Foundation received around 65 million Swiss francs in donations to build Square as well as to support its content development in the initial phase.

Inspiration

Square is an experimental field for new, future-oriented forms of learning and teaching. It was designed not to be just another university campus building, but rather a home to new ideas and concepts, experimentation and debate. The building was designed by Sou Fujimoto, and Evolution Design was commissioned to develop a comprehensive interior and learning concept that enables experimental learning and teaching and to fit out the building and several roof terraces.

Image Credits

Image #1: Photographer Peter Wuermli, 2022. Image #2: Gataric Fotografie, 2022. Image #3: Photographer Peter Wuermli, 2022. Image #4: Photographer Peter Wuermli, 2022. Image #5: Photographer Peter Wuermli, 2022.

Project Overview

Square Hsg Learning Center has been a Silver winner in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design award category in the year 2022 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Silver Recognition

Evolution Design was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2023, a testament to excellence of their work Square Hsg Learning Center.

Evolution Design Press Releases

Media members, dive into our press releases on Evolution Design's work, ready for you to use and enhance your journalistic content. Journalists, gain instant access to 17 press releases today.

Evolution Design Unveils Innovative Learning Center "Square" at University of St. Gallen

Evolution Design introduces "Square," an experimental learning and teaching space at the University of St. Gallen, designed to foster innovation and flexibility in education.

Evolution Design Newsroom

Explore Evolution Design Newsroom to uncover award-winning design projects and more.