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architects, Zurich EM2N

EM2N, whose acronym still contains the initials of two former partners, is an up-and-coming Swiss architectural practice co-founded by Mathias Müller and Daniel Niggli. They met studying at the ETH in Zurich. Since its inception in 1997, the office has experienced fast-paced growth. Of the by now over 40 employees, over half hail from Germany, Spain and Scandinavia. This mix reflects the melting pot character of Zurich’s Langstrassen neighbourhood which the successful team calls home. From the very beginning, the internationally active company has invited young architects from all over Europe to lecture on their latest projects, allowing them to establish a broad network early on.

EM2N keep attracting attention with successful competition entries and realisations. They follow an unconventional approach in the organisation of their architectural practice: open office structures and the early involvement of other disciplines give them great clout. Their success and strong positioning bear testimony to well-functioning team work and never-ending curiosity. According to Mathias Müller, EM2N does not cultivate any architectural language: "Rather, we attempt to surprise our client and ourselves at the beginning of each project." In March 2006, the team won the competition for the conversion of Zurich’s Toni complex, beating off international competitors of high renown – the plan is to build an educational and cultural centre, including a number of university departments, which will be of gigantic proportions by Swiss standards. EM2N’s architectural concept preserves the site’s industrial charm and space for cultural events. The delivery ramp is turned into a public boulevard which links the different study levels with the huge cultural roof terrace. The team had shortly before been awarded the contract for the construction of 130 apartments in Prague, and a heavy publication celebrating their work to date was published in South Korea. It has furthermore attracted attention with its so-called interventions such as for the Hardbrücke train station (2005-2007) or the viaduct arches project in Zurich (2003-). Other current projects include a commercial and residential building in Prague, the extension of the Swiss Film Archive near Lausanne and a convention centre for Thun.

In 2006, together with Zurich’s Theater 11, EM2N created a musical stage which skillfully weaves together ideas finding their origins in theatre and architecture, winning the 2007 International Architecture Award bestowed by the Architecture and Design Museum Chicago Athenaeum.

EM2N are interested in the big picture and does not lose itself in details and digressions relating to surface finish. Instead of wallowing in architecture historical references and drawing ingenious proportions, they approach a building pragmatically and develop strategies to make their projects viable – their structures reflect this process and give it shape. "Architecture should take a stand, it can be sexy, it may seduce and irritate, trigger love and hate" is EM2N’s according creed. This, and the "lifestyle" demanded by their architecture, sets Mathias Müller and Daniel Niggli apart from the majority of their Swiss colleagues. With their cheeky, clear touch and generous, incisive gestures, EM2N achieve a lot with very little.

EM2N
Theatre 11 Zurich

Valid as of: 27.5.2008

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