When ETH Zurich’s military academy moved to Birmensdorf near Zurich, the former training camp Reppischtal was converted into an educational centre. The renovation of three buildings in the barracks led to substantial transformations in atmosphere, lighting and colour, creating entirely new spatial situations. The contemporary sign system was designed to enter into dialogue with the new environments. Directional information is indicated by large numbers made of aluminium that have been affixed directly to the doors. Because of frequent changes in both the use of rooms and persons using them, a flexible sign system is necessary. The new sign programme communicates current use by sliding movable letters made of anodised aluminium on flat bars located either next to or below the numbers on the doors.

• Address:

  Kaserne, Birmensdorf

• Extension and renovation:

  2006

• Architecture (renovation):

  Giuliani Hönger, Zurich

• Product design:

  Fokusform GmbH, David Weisser, Zurich

• Commissioned by:

  Amt für Militär und Zivilschutz/Hochbauamt Kanton Zürich

• Project team:

  Natalie Bringolf, Kristin Irion, Megi Zumstein

• Photography:

  Walter Mair, Zurich; Bivgrafik