Project. The Würth Administration Building with education and training center is being constructed in  Rorschach on the shores of Lake Constance in Eastern Switzerland. From early 2013, this has provided employment for around 250 staff as well as offering teaching rooms, an exhibition area, and a congress hall for up to 500 people. The building is  ideally situated at the lakeside and very close to the railway station.  Architectural practice Gigon/Guyer won an international competition with their project entitled «Lichtspiel» (play of light) because, in the opinion of the judges, they interpreted the project specifications in the most consistent way. The architecture blends into the existing surroundings and landscape while maintaining a distinctive identity of its own.

Concept/Design. The five-storey  building has a cubic capacity of 144400 m3, and cost CHF 140 million to construct. It is encased in two layers of glass whose appearance shimmers between transparency and reflection, reproducing many times over the  distinctive features and beauty of its location. This architecturally impressive construction not only makes a new and attractive workplace, but thanks to its culturally appealing visual  radiance it also adds economic value to the whole St.Gallen-Bodensee region, an area popular with visitors from home and abroad.

Construction. The external, rear- ventilated layer of glass consists of staggered, pale green panes with a subtle, metallic-gloss fabric insert made from laminated Makro Architecture VISION Fabric AL 140/70. This graceful, rhythmic, curtain of glass protects the building from lakeside winds and its users from street noise, providing an effective balance between warmth and coolness.  
Reflections from the sky and lake change according to the time of day and season while the facade itself takes on different appearances  depending on the angle of vision.