Built in 1917, the headquarters underwent several refurbishments and were also expanded over time. Now, after about 100 years, the building has been completely renovated for the first time to open up the building, adapting it to future needs and making it more attractive in terms of urban planning. The concept for the renovation was developed by the general planner team at EM2N Architekten AG.
”We are proud of our historically important building, which not only honors its long history, but is now well prepared for the demands of the future. Our headquarters represent UBS and its values as the leading global bank with Swiss roots. After the three-year renovation phase, we are now delighted that the building is about to reopen its doors,” says Axel A. Weber, Chairman of the Board of Directors of UBS Group AG.
The building’s exterior has hardly changed at all as the facade is listed. However, the interior has been almost completely redesigned. The entrance area to Bahnhofstrasse is now much wider, more open and inviting. Inside it is bright and friendly; modern design complements traditional features. On the ground floor, the new UBS Forum and the new 24-hour ATM open up the building to the city. The almost 200-square-meter UBS Forum is available for a variety of events, ranging from exhibitions to lectures and client functions. It will host the UBS Christmas Market from 3 to 14 December. The vendors are sheltered workshops and social enterprises that UBS supports as part of its social commitment, among other things, through volunteering programs. In addition, four shops and a restaurant will open on the ground floor along Bahnhofstrasse and Pelikanstrasse at the beginning of December – Cartier, Kjus, Luis Trenker, Technogym and Bar 45.
Sergio P. Ermotti, CEO of UBS Group AG: ”On behalf of UBS, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the realization of our new headquarters. Together, all of those involved have created something sustainable that respects our history while meeting future demands.”
Branch returns to Bahnhofstrasse 45 and is now open to all
The historic counter hall has regained its former splendor. An architectural treasure worth seeing in its own right, the light-flooded room is also the hub of the UBS branch. Like the other around 280 branches in Switzerland, Bahnhofstrasse 45 is client-oriented and underscores the values of UBS. On the ground floor there are three counters, six consultation rooms and a new 24-hour ATM area. The branch also maintains a client safe. With the reopening of the Bahnhofstrasse 45 branch, the temporary branch in Pelikanstrasse will be closed.
Sustainable and modern construction with planned LEED certification for buildings
The headquarters are built in a solid and energy-efficient manner, using high-quality and environmentally friendly materials.Katrin Koch, Head of Group Corporate Services. ”Thanks to the insulation of the building’s exterior and the use of modern technology, we will be able to reduce future energy consumption by around 30 percent.” The extensive refurbishment will also improve comfort for users. Employees will benefit from a bright and friendly working environment. The offices and conference and meeting rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, supporting a collaborative and flexible working environment.
UBS pursues a comprehensive environmental strategy and has refurbished the building according to LEED Platinum requirements, the highest level of certification under the international standard for sustainable, eco-friendly and resource-conserving construction.
Art at the UBS headquarters
‹Heritage meets Contemporary› is the theme of the curatorial thread that runs through UBS’s headquarters. Some of the most important works of art in the UBS Art Collection are on display in the building. While some works bear witness to the history of the building, more recent acquisitions and newly commissioned work underscore the forward-looking nature of UBS and its collection.
The most prominent work of art is on display just behind the main entrance: the monumental work by Swiss native John Armleder is a commissioned piece to mark the reopening of the headquarters. Born in Geneva in 1948, the artist created it especially for this venue. Armleder serves as a symbol of internationally successful Swiss art. His new painting belongs to the Pour Paintings series, a reference to the technique he uses to create his works. This colorful and energetic work creates a first impression of the renovated UBS headquarters. A successful combination of contemporary art and historical legacy.
The UBS Art Collection is regarded as one of the world’s most important corporate collections of contemporary art. It includes more than 30,000 works of art, encompassing paintings, photographs, drawings, sculptures and video art by some of the world’s most prominent artists from 1960 to the present. The collection acquires works by established artists and up-and-coming talents from all over the world.
UBS Group AG
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