The Architectural Guide Through Zurich

Instagrammer Philipp Heer reveals his favorite photo spots in Zurich.

The successful Instagrammer and architectural photographer shows where amateur and professional photographers alike can find particularly interesting and “photographable” architecture in Zurich. This includes buildings, extensions, and conversions by renowned national and international architects, such as Santiago Calatrava, Christ & Gantenbein, and Gigon/Guyer.

In my pictures, I also show long-standing Zurich residents the city from completely new perspectives.

Philipp Heer

Philipp Heer, Instagrammer & photographer

Modern architecture inspires him. As a result, Philipp knows where in Zurich the best architectural photos can be taken.

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Lindt Home of Chocolate

Lindt Home of Chocolate

New construction, 2020, by Christ & Gantenbein

Simple at first glance, the new building on the Lindt factory site is actually an architectural work of multi-faceted complexity.

Europaallee

New building, in stages to 2020, various architects

A major concept in urban planning behind Zurich main station. Projects by prestigious international architects fill the 80,000-square-meter (860,000 square feet) site.

Extension to the Swiss National Museum

Swiss National Museum Extension

Extension, 2016, Christ & Gantenbein

“The strong lines and wide surfaces represent a great contrast to the original castle-like structure.”

Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), Toni Campus

Toni Campus

Refurbishment, 2014, EM2N

The Zurich University of the Arts campus is located on the site of a former dairy. This little urban cosmos delights students and visitors alike.

K.I.S.S., Badenerstrasse

K.I.S.S.

New building, 2012, Camenzind Evolution

“The irregular windows set in metal frames of different colors make a great photographic subject,” says Philipp.

Freitag Tower

Freitag Tower

Recycling, 2006, Spillmann Echsle Architekten

17 rusty shipping containers from Hamburg are enjoying a second life as a shopping and architectural highlight of Zurich-West.

Leutschenbach School

Leutschenbach School

New building, 2009, Christian Kerez

It is not just the extraordinary gymnasium on the top story that draws the Instagrammer to this modern school building.

Main Building of the ETH Zurich

Original building, completed in 1864 by Gottfried Semper

One of Zurich’s landmarks is the Federal Institute of Technology on the hill overlooking the city.

Parc MFO

MFO-Park

Built by Burchkhardt+Partner/Raderschall in 2002

The architecturally interesting MFO-Park in the Zürich-Nord district invites visitors to linger.

Student Village, ETH

Student Village, ETH

New building, 2016, architektick AG

The students of ETH don’t just dwell in dorms at Campus Science City, they live in a striking architectural masterpiece.

Hunziker Areal

Hunziker Areal

Built by various architects and completed in 2015

This beacon project is trying out new living forms and enthralls city planners worldwide.

Law Library, University of Zurich

UB Law, University of Zurich

Refurbishment, 2004, Santiago Calatrava

What may well be the city’s most beautiful library can be found inside the Faculty of Law at the University of Zurich.

Prime Tower

Prime Tower

New building, 2011, Gigon/Guyer Architekten

This Zurich-West high-rise is a fascinating play of form and color that also offers superlative views.

Stadelhofen Station

Stadelhofen Station

Refurbishment, 1990, Santiago Calatrava

Fans of Calatrava will find an early work of the star architect in the heart of Zurich at one of Switzerland’s busiest stations.

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Multifaceted Zurich