Headquarters EF Education First

Unlike most buildings in the centre of Zurich, the Neue Börse's former purpose is indicated by its ring-shaped entrance facade. Following the recent reconstruction of the building, Education First (EF), the world’s biggest provider of international education programmes, decided to move its headquarters to Zurich.

Under the guidance of Stücheli Architekten AG, the Neue Börse in Zurich has been turned into a creative space for 800 employees, transitioning the building from corporate architecture to contextual design. Former single offices were replaced by large and bright open offices, individual meeting points, and transparent, sound-proofed conference areas. Employees can enjoy the benefits of a spacious roof terrace overlooking the Botanical Garden, a fitness/yoga/games room, and a day-care centre with a playground.

A two-storey atrium, which is some 50 metres long, is the centrepiece and architectural highlight of the building, with two impressive bluish-black steel spiral staircases connecting the floors. The unifying element of the former trading floor of the exchange is its brushed Trendpark Oak Crema parquet with B-Protect® lacquer. It covers at least 3,500 square metres, setting the stage for interaction as a naturally balanced wooden element of the interiors.