Winning project from study contract for further development of Aeschbachquartier Aarau
Winning project known from the Rockwell site study contract
The Rockwell area belongs to the western part of the Torfeld Süd and was acquired by Mobimo in 2001. Rockwell Automation GmbH intends to discontinue production at the Aarau location at the beginning of 2022. Only the research and development areas will remain at the long-standing headquarters. This will free a large part of the area – and the further development of the Aeschbach district can be tackled.
As of today, the Aeschbachquartier comprises 167 rental apartments, 92 condominiums, the Aeschbachhalle, the Oehlerpark and commercial space. The urban planning guidelines designed by the renowned Dutch architect and retired ETH professor Kees Christiaanse and the associated vision of the “Urban Village” – an urban village – with diverse uses should also shape the further development steps.
Mobimo has invited five renowned architecture firms to take part in a study. In addition to the high demands on the sustainability of the project – it should be made of wood and meet the SNBS Gold standard – the results of the participation process from 2020 were also part of the task package.
The proposal by Baumberger & Stegmeier Architects from Zurich in collaboration with Hoffmann Müller landscape architects and Pirmin Jung timber construction engineers particularly impressed the jury and was chosen as the winning project. Your project envisages an increase in the historical Hall 5 and a new wooden building (see visualization). In addition to the ecological construction method, the winning project is characterized by many green areas with large trees. The project envisages 110 rental apartments of various sizes and suitable for families and senior citizens. Alternative forms of living such as cluster apartments are also to be created.
Mobimo will invest around CHF 50 million (amount excluding land value). Realization can probably begin in mid-2023, which means that completion would be possible in mid-2025.
Quote from project manager Thomas Schaz: “We are delighted to be able to open a new chapter in the Aeschbach district. Rockwell Automation remains an important and valued user of the quarter in a reduced space. "
