University of Zurich Faculty Law Library

In what used to be the courtyard of the University of Zurich Faculty Law Library, Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava, created the additional space the library needed in unconventional fashion. He built a modern wing in stark contrast to the staid building designed in 1908 by Hermann Fietz. Calatrava's design consists of 6 oval rings around an elongated glazed skylight which illuminates the galleries and courtyard. The rings are lined with maple wood that add a rich tone finish to the design and define its space between the glass dome and the white stone floor of the ground floor.

The glass domed copper roof floods the library with natural light.

Study spaces are formed around the balustrades on each gallery, taking advantage of natural light.

A closer look at the graceful curve of the dome.

The galleries float above the courtyard.

Horizontal windows cut across the outer shell of the galleries.

Rather than cover up the original courtyard, Santiago Calatrava decided to keep it and turn it into an atrium. Light filters from the glass dome to the courtyard.

"The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library." Albert Einstein

How to get there:
Rämistrasse 74/75
Tram stops have ticket machines and accept cash.
Tram information -
http://online.fahrplan.zvv.ch/bin/query.exe/en?Z=Z%C3%BCrich%2C%20Kantonsschule

Where to stay:

For women only:

Josephine Guesthouse for Women

Lutherstrasse, 20

info@josephines.ch

Tram 3 from Zurich Hauptbahnhof, Direction: Albisreiden, Stop: Stauffacher or

Tram 14, Direction: Triemli, Stop: Stauffacher

Switzerland is an expensive place to visit. The best room rate I could find in autumn of 2019 was at this guesthouse. I had a large room with breakfast and view of St. Jacob Church. The guesthouse is in a good, quiet neighborhood with lots of restaurants and grocery stores and is a short walk to trams. Rooms are available for longer stays at much lower rates.

*****

Images by TravelswihCharie

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