International Organization for Migration Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland

The IOM (International Organization for Migration) has decided to build their new Headquarters on the site of their existing one in the “Jardin des Nations”, in Geneva, as the current headquarters does not fit anymore the organization needs.
The new building will allow for 600 workstations and social spaces, and a conference center for 300 delegates and observers. The building is based on exploring the delicate balance between an emblematic building, expressing a remarkable institution as IOM, with curvy movements edging through the trees, and at the same time, a clarity of layout, providing efficiency and flexibility. An answer is proposed to the new needs of working spaces of today with extreme adaptability over time. The high degree of flexibility anticipates new lifestyles and offers a novel kind of workspace, from working in peace and quiet or for joint work, favoring dialogue and exchanges through double height indoor gardens, enveloping the offices floors.
These indoors gardens serve as the lungs and natural climate regulators of each "village”; This is how the office areas are named. There are 4 villages in the building, each made un “low” level and a “mezzanine” level, hence stacked onto 8 floors. Fresh air is supplied beneath the planters along the entire perimeter of the façade by decentralized air handling units. When outdoor conditions permit, façade openings allow external air to flow in, naturally ventilating the indoor spaces.
Although the façades are equipped with operable external solar protections, solar shading is also provided by the indoor vegetation, which absorbs solar radiation, like in a greenhouse. Additionally, the triple-clear-glass façades allow natural light to penetrate deep into the building, enhancing the well-being of both occupants and plants.
The workspaces are heated and cooled by radiant panels. All spaces are equipped with ceiling fans to take advantage of increased local air movement in summer, improving thermal comfort. Fans in the gardens also ensure the destratification of these double-height spaces.
The energy supply for heating and cooling is entirely based on 100% renewable resources, as the project is connected to the Genilac network, which draws its energy from the depths of Lake Geneva. Finally, a rooftop photovoltaic system with a capacity of 100 kWp completes the on-site green energy production.
In addition to complying with Geneva's stringent energy regulations under the "THPE 2000 W" standard, the project also aims to achieve BREEAM EXCELLENT certification.