About LLHIL

The HIL building, constructed in the 1970s, requires comprehensive renovation, particularly in the areas of building technology, energy efficiency, and fire protection. Through the renovation and expansion of the HIL, the ETH aims to transform an existing large-scale building in a sustainable manner. The robust supporting structure provides favorable conditions for reuse and expansion.

Goals & approach of the LLHIL

Preserving, developing, and expanding the existing building
Reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions
Promoting new forms of teaching, learning and working
Bringing D-ARCH together in one location
Strengthening exchange between research, teaching and the public
Upgrading outdoor spaces

More space for work and study

At the same time, the building is to be substantially expanded to create more space for the growing university. Today, HIL provides around 35,000 m² of usable floor area for the approximately 4,000 people who research, teach, study and work here. However, the current space no longer meets today’s requirements or the needs of the growing number of students and staff.

With the planned additional storeys and extensions, the usable floor area is therefore set to increase by around 12,000 m² to a total of 47,000 m². Around 5,500 m² will be added by extending the main building upwards, a further 1,500 m² above the Architecture and Civil Engineering Library, and another 5,000 m² by converting the HIG garage. This will create sufficient space to meet future needs and allow HIL to be tailored as closely as possible to the needs of its users.

The renovation will take place while the building remains in operation. The newly created areas in the additional storeys and extensions will also provide temporary space during the various construction phases. Once construction is completed in 2035, the ONA site in Zurich Oerlikon is to be closed and all D-ARCH staff and students brought together at HIL.

Location & perimeter

The building is in the center of the Hönggerberg campus. In addition to the HIL, the project perimeter includes the HIG underground car park and the surrounding areas. Taken together, these spaces will enable new uses, better access, and high-quality outdoor areas.

Phasing & construction during operation

The project will be implemented in stages while the building is still in use, with strict separation between the construction site and existing operations. An approach in five stages is currently under review: expansion and relocation areas will be created first in order to minimize construction disturbances such as noise and dust, as well as the need for external temporary spaces. The technical refurbishment will be structured vertically along with the functional zones of the building services.

1 / 5 Phase 1

2 / 5 Phase 2

3 / 5 Phase 3

4 / 5 Phase 4

5 / 5 Phase 5

Exchange & Involvement

To ensure that all user groups are heard, various forms of cooperation and exchange are in place. The planning team and the involved professorships engage in regular exchange through Engagement Meetings. Additionally, senior representatives of both departments meet every other month in the ARCH BAUG HIL Committee to share information and address critical issues at an early stage. Students and researchers participate through input projects led by the involved professorships, and also through targeted participatory workshops and surveys conducted by selected chairs.

Schedule

Hönggerberg Campus 2040

The Hönggerberg Campus is of strategic importance to the future development of ETH Zurich. Given the historic neighborhood and urban structures in the Zurich city center, the university ultimately plans to locate most of its teaching and research facilities on the Hönggerberg.

The Living Lab HIL project is embedded in the “Campus Hönggerberg 2040” master plan. The renovation and expansion of the HIL will make a significant contribution to the internal densification of the campus, the long-term development of the site, and the enhancement of its open spaces.

↓ Masterplan 2040 (PDF)

2040: Visualisation of how the Hönggerberg campus might look in the future. The aim is to expand internally using infill development and leave the surrounding landscape mostly untouched. Visualisation: EM2N /ETH Zurich

HIL 3D Space Model

A script written especially for the HIL allows the spaces from the 3D model to be filtered by information. This allows us to gain a better understanding of what is happening where in the building at any given time. It also reveals connections that are not apparent in everyday use.

See the Space Model

Procedure for input projects

The HIL building will become a learning environment for the next generation of architects and civil engineers. Click here for an initial insight into the various input projects.

Go to procedure

Forklift loaded with unused ceiling panels.

The HIL Building

The HIL is in significant need of refurbishment. However, its robust structural system offers favourable conditions for reuse and vertical extension, in line with the principles of the circular economy.

Go to the HIL building

Aerial view of the HIL building, 25 August 1977

Our Teams

Organization of the project is structured as a partnership between ETH Real Estate Management and the Living Lab HIL planning team.

Meet our teams