Study Commission – Development of the PUK Lengg Campus

Together with Nordic Office of Architecture and Vogt Landschaftsarchitekten, we developed our proposal, “Trilogy,” for the future evolution of the Lengg campus as part of a selective study commission organized by the Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich (PUK).

The design makes architecture an integral part of the therapeutic environment. Carefully calibrated daylight, clear spatial sequences, and a variety of spaces for retreat and interaction foster a sense of calm, safety, and orientation. The landscape provides the unifying framework, linking existing and new buildings while bringing together the park, orchard, and woodland as a coherent setting.

A central feature of the design is the division of each floor into two inpatient ward units. A central circulation spine makes the layout easy to understand and provides alternative routes for patients and staff. Patient rooms are consistently located along the building perimeter, giving them daylight, views, and a quiet atmosphere—essential qualities in day-to-day care.

The new buildings are carefully scaled and sensitively integrated into the existing campus. Stepped volumes and coordinated building heights embed them naturally within the landscape and create clear transitions between existing and new structures.

Clearly organized functional zones support contemporary approaches to psychiatric care while enabling efficient operational workflows.

The procedure was conducted in accordance with public procurement regulations. Following a prequalification stage, five multidisciplinary design teams took part in the study commission. We congratulate the consortium of Boltshauser, Drees & Sommer and Mettler Landschaftsarchitektur on being selected to continue with the project and wish them every success in the next phase.

The five proposals will be shown in a public exhibition in Zurich on Friday, June 5.