For the Protection of the Waters
The Zurich Water Police, or "WaPo" for short, ensure safety in and on all lakes and waterways around Zurich. This includes lake rescue, the search and recovery of missing persons under water, the management of ship moorings, the maintenance of harbour and buoy facilities as well as diving work and activities for environmental protection. The safe organisation of events at the lake and the resurfacing of objects from the bottom are also part of the tasks. In order to fulfil the above-mentioned functions, the necessary equipment is required. The former police station could no longer meet these requirements: The building from the 1950s was only provisionally extended with metal containers and could no longer guarantee proper operation.
A Building for People and Nature
A new location for the more than 40 staff members became necessary – but the construction posed a number of challenges. The first goal of moving in by 2016 was delayed by several years: Construction did not begin until 2020; the water police settled in about two and a half years later. Building on the lake required special consideration for the living creatures on the water. This idea of animal protection was further implemented with the construction of breeding places for common terns on the roof of the new building.
Special Requirements for Special Premises
The wait was worth it: The new building with a view of the entire Zurich lake bay provides the optimal foundation for thorough and safe work. The ARGE of e2a Architekten and WSP Suisse based their planning on the look of the typical piers on site. Above the jetties, vehicle sheds and functional rooms on the ground floor and first floor, there are modern office and meeting rooms on the first floor. The heart of the building is a three-sided glazed command room that is manned around the clock.
"Waterproof" Interior Fit-out
On the first floor, Lindner installed various office and meeting walls, including the door systems, some with security access and interlocking switch panels. The design of the surfaces was based on a simple and functional mix of materials and colours. In addition to red lacquered wooden doors, which were specially manufactured with porthole windows, wooden partition walls and wall panelling in a veneered maritime pine look can be found. Thus, the functions of the WaPo are reflected in the furnishings – a modern new home for an important police authority.
You can find out more about the project on our reference page.
