René Schmid Architekten AG

Umwelt Arena

Umwelt Arena
© aPix Alex Buschor Photography

UMWELT ARENA

Rene Schmid Architekten

ARCHITECTS
Rene Schmid Architekten

AREA
11.0 m²

YEAR
2012

LOCATION
Spreitenbach, Switzerland

CATEGORY
Exhibition Center

BUILDING

Aesthetics and ecology converge in the architecture of the Umwelt Arena.

Umwelt Arena
© Bruno Helbling
Umwelt Arena
© Bruno Helbling

A striking architectural feature of the Umwelt Arena is the crystalline roof structure with the photovoltaic system integrated into the building. 

This is intentional design. The large hall (arena) forms the centrepiece and conveys an open and inviting atmosphere.

Umwelt Arena
© Bruno Helbling
Umwelt Arena

Solar heat is used to cool the Umwelt Arena in summer and heat it in winter.

This is done by means of a distribution network (TABS) in the concrete floors and an earth tube system beneath the base plate of the bottom parking level.

Umwelt Arena
© Bruno Helbling
Umwelt Arena
© Bruno Helbling

Cold water circulates through the network of pipes in summer, hot water in winter.

The circulating water uses the difference in temperature in the earth collector and the large stor- age tanks to deposit excess heat or cold from the building interior in the storage media according to the season or requirements. 

Umwelt Arena
© Bruno Helbling
Umwelt Arena
© Bruno Helbling

Any excess heat or cold that cannot be accommodated by the water tanks is stored in the earth collector.

The equipment used in this innovative heating and ventilation system runs on solar power and ultimately makes it possible to run a building with carbon-neutral services.

Umwelt Arena
© Bruno Helbling
Umwelt Arena
© Bruno Helbling

The roof-integrated photovoltaic system produces more (CO2-free) electricity than is needed to run the building.

EXHIBITIONS

Umwelt Arena helps visitors to experience and understand sustainability and environmental technology.

Umwelt Arena
Umwelt Arena
© Bruno Helbling

Visitors will find information and products on the theme of “modern life” under one roof.

Experts and lay people alike can become acquainted with the subject over an area of 5,400 m2 and compare technolo- gies, products and services on the spot – in a clear and practical way.

Umwelt Arena
© Michael Egloff
Umwelt Arena
© Michael Egloff

A unique setting for seminars, trade shows, conventions, events and banquets. Various multipurpose rooms are available for occasions ranging from small meetings to large-scale events.

The project was recently honored with the "2012 Norman Foster Solar Award".

Umwelt Arena
© Michael Egloff


Umwelt Arena
© Michael Egloff
Umwelt Arena
© aPix Alex Buschor Photography


Umwelt Arena
© Bruno Helbling
Umwelt Arena
© Bruno Helbling
Umwelt Arena
© Bruno Helbling
Umwelt Arena
© Michael Egloff


Umwelt Arena
Courtesy of Rene Schmid Architekten
Umwelt Arena
Courtesy of Rene Schmid Architekten
Umwelt Arena
Courtesy of Rene Schmid Architekten
Umwelt Arena
Courtesy of Rene Schmid Architekten
Umwelt Arena
Courtesy of Rene Schmid Architekten
Umwelt Arena
Courtesy of Rene Schmid Architekten


Umwelt Arena
Courtesy of Rene Schmid Architekten
Umwelt Arena
Courtesy of Rene Schmid Architekten


Umwelt Arena
Courtesy of Rene Schmid Architekten
Umwelt Arena
Courtesy of Rene Schmid Architekten


Umwelt Arena
Courtesy of Rene Schmid Architekten
Umwelt Arena
Courtesy of Rene Schmid Architekten

René Schmid Architekten AG
T +41 44 3179090 F +41 44 3179091
René Schmid Architekten AG
Ellen-Widmann-Weg 6, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland