Multi-purpose hall in Schachen- Aarau - Switzerland

Abstract

It was designed to be used as a gymnasium for state colleges, as a covered track for different sports and as a place for meetings and exhibitions. With the steel construction was obtained a light and transparent building which, through large windows, communicates directly with the vast surrounding meadow. The pavilion is rectangular and consist of: — Semi-basement, on the same level as the sports track, which includes, beneath the spectators' stands: cloakrooms, showers, dressing rooms, training hall, kitchen, boiler room and store rooms for the equipment from the gymnasium. — Floor for the public, on the same level as the entrance completely glassed-in. — Covered level formed by lattice beams of metal supported by 12 steel pillars. It is covered on the inside by metal plates of triangular profile, of light colours and at the top, with coloured sheets of asbestos cement. In the centre of the building are skylights which allow natural lighting. The foundation is made completely of reinforced concrete, as is the lower part of the building —sports track, spectators' stands and adjacent buildings—, in clear contrast with the top part, made completely out of metal, which permits the great projections of the roof and its characteristic lightness.