Administrative Building 3

Snozzi Groisman & Groisman architects, 2010-13

The Urban Concept

The project envisions the creation of a large public park containing several administrative buildings, which will serve as a hub between the government district located at the foot of Castelgrande, the residential areas on the outskirts of Bellinzona, and the entrance to the city from the motorway exit. In addition to the proposed park, another key element of the project is the pedestrian walkway along the Dragonato stream, connecting Via Luini, the parking lot on Via Tatti, the Arts and Crafts School, the new park with the administrative buildings, and Via Ghiringhelli. This path, which currently partially exists, once enhanced, will become the city's third urban walkway, alongside the recreational and sports walkway at the Bagno Pubblico and the historical and scenic walkway along the Castelgrande walls.

The Building

Home to the Canton of Ticino's Department of Territory, Administrative Building 3, located in a new public park, consists of two blocks. The first, containing offices for approximately 350 officials, is raised above the ground by ten pillars and features a "double skin": an outer layer of reinforced concrete sunshades and an inner layer of natural Douglas fir wood. The second block, connected to the main one by suspended walkways, is also made of exposed concrete with Douglas fir window and door frames. This free-form volume breaks away from the geometry proposed for the park and the main building, oriented toward the monument that symbolizes the city of Bellinzona: Castelgrande. The building has obtained Minergie TI-226 certification.