Client
Omega SA
Architects
Shigeru Ban Architects; Itten+Brechbühl AG
Planning
2013
Start of construction
2014
Commissioning
2019
Floor area
7,060 m2
Construction volume
30,700 m3
Photos
© Swatch, Boy de la Tour
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Biel/Bienne, Switzerland
Cité du Temps
| Client | Omega AG | ||||||
| Planning / Construction | 2014 / 2019 | ||||||
| Architecture | Itten+Brechbühl AG; Shigeru Ban Architects | ||||||
| Surface area | 7'060 m2 | ||||||
| Construction volume | 307'000 m3 | ||||||
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The Cité du Temps – home to the Swatch and Omega museums as well as a spacious conference centre – was designed by the world-renowned Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, winner of the Pritzker Prize.
The building is nestled between Omega’s historic buildings and the new Swatch Headquarters. With seemingly effortless ease, the structure is supported by pillars that give it a slight elevation. The keynote: a contemporary glass façade that creates an impression of lightness and transparency.
Straight lines and right angles define the character of the floors above the elegantly curved arcades on the ground floor. On the fourth floor, the Nicolas G. Hayek Conference Hall literally stands out from the rest of the building thanks to its elliptical shape and ornate mosaic façade.
