The Swatch and Omega Campus – Embodying the Spirit of the Brand

In October 2019, Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban inaugurated one of the world’s largest wood building projects, the Swatch and Omega Campus in Biel, Switzerland. The opening of the Swatch and Omega Campus was a momentous occasion, marking the culmination of 8.5 years of design, engineering, and construction. At 46,778 sq m (503,514 sq ft), the project is Shigeru Ban Architects’ largest and most exuberant hybrid mass timber project to date, and one of the largest hybrid mass timber projects in the world. Heralding a new chapter in the history of the brand, this building defies current conventions, just like the watches that are created there. Beyond a celebratory ribbon cutting, this date marked a milestone in our global consciousness, answering the questions, “Why wood?” and “Why now?”

Through his disaster relief work, Shigeru Ban has experienced firsthand the direct impact of climate change and natural disasters causing adverse effects on both people and the planet. Climate change is a reality that must be addressed both in how we live and how we build: our individual decisions to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions can change the world. 

However, building construction in its current state does not responsibly consider the future and well-being of our planet. To this end, Shigeru Ban Architects promotes building in wood as a model for environmental consciousness. Although timber is one of the oldest building materials, it is also one which holds much promise for the future. 

 Materials provided by Shigeru Ban Architects, Swatch Group

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