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The growing significance of Médecins Sans Frontières called for the construction of a new headquarters. The international organisation for medical emergency aid must be able to react immediately and worldwide to acute developments. Specialised teams in the disciplines of medicine, law, technology, communications and administration supervise various task forces in the field. Once the emergency has been resolved, those teams disband and regroup for the next mission. A fluid, round-the-clock organism like this needs an adaptable building structure that can "breathe" and support all forms of operations in the most diverse constellations.
The new headquarters is located in Geneva’s Morillon district, in the vicinity of consulates and institutions of the United Nations. It's green facade reflects the surrounding parcs and nature, while it's structure conveys the internal program to the outside. While the foyer with auditorium, agora and public restaurant animate the ground floor and open the building to the neighbourhood. Additionally, terraces on the first and seventh floors and on the roof create spaces for relaxation and open up views over Lake Geneva towards Mont Blanc and the Jura Mountains.
As an essential planning objective, the new headquarters building for Médecins Sans Frontières implements aspects of sustainability on several levels:
The vegetation screen generates a microclimate in the façade's buffer zone, reducing the building's cooling requirements and improving the air quality through the absorption of CO2. Photovoltaic panels are installed on the roof and the project is connected to the GeniLac ecological heating and cooling network. This infrastructure uses water from Lake Geneva and 100% renewable electricity. As a result, the building is powered entirely by renewable energy sources. The option of an extension guarantees that the building will remain adaptable to the changing needs of its users.
The architecture of the new building responds to the organisation's modus operandi with a transparent and communication-oriented spatial structure that actively promotes exchange amongst co-workers. Scalability of workspaces and the well-being of users were key considerations in the design, as it combines spaces of varying proportions and thus accommodates large, medium and small workgroups. Between the single and group offices are large conference rooms and communal areas for informal interaction on all floors. A generous staircase leading freely through the entire building connects all of these areas, both visually and spatially, and strengthens communication between all departments. The three-dimensional, green façade with balconies and loggias defined by large wooden frames offer work settings that transition between interior and exterior space. Fitting together like a giant jigsaw puzzle, these frames form a clearly defined volume, analagous to an organisation of individual specialists working towards a common objective.
The new headquarters of Médecins Sans Frontières, designed by Sauerbruch Hutton, is a testament to adaptability and well-being. With large conference rooms, communal areas, and a three-dimensional planted façade, the building fosters collaboration and sustainability. Staff members appreciate its scalability, transparency, and connection between departments. Working here daily, they find a space that aligns with their commitment to humanitarian aid. (client's statement)
Sauerbruch Hutton realises individual and sustainable solutions for architectural projects, urban master plans, interiors, furniture and exhibitions. Pleasure in the sensual handling of space and material, curiosity for technical and spatial innovation as well as the responsible use of all kinds of existing resources constitute the focus of our architectural practice. We associate our work with the dual technical-cultural mission to improve the quality of life of prospective users and future generations in general, and so to contribute to public life and the well-being of the city.
