SQUARE (HSG Learning Center)

SQUARE is an extension of the University of St. Gallen (HSG) campus. The university describes the new building as an "experimental field" for new learning and teaching formats that, when mature, will be integrated into the HSG's "normal" course of studies.

The office of Sou FujimotoArchitects, based in Tokyo and Paris, won the architectural competition with its "Open Grid" design. The jury attested it "an excellent interpretation and implementation of the didactic concept". Thanks to numerous major benefactors and donations from HSG alumni, operations were able to begin in the spring semester of 2022, as planned in the ambitious schedule, after a short construction period of around two years.

As general contractor, HRS made a significant contribution by guaranteeing costs, quality and deadlines.

The building consists of several cubes arranged in a grid pattern, ranging in height from 3.5 to 18.5 meters. Inside, modular building elements, acoustically and visually interconnected, allow adaptation to different didactic needs such as discussion sessions, courses or exams. The new learning center creates space for 500 to 700 learning and workstations.