A New Building for Physical and Mathematical Sciences at UNIGE

Interview with Prof. Christoph Renner, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Science and Project Lead for the CSPM

What is the project planned by the University of Geneva?

The Center for Physical and Mathematical Sciences (CSPM) is a major project that will bring together on a single site the physics and mathematics activities currently spread across several locations.

Why is such a project necessary?

The creation of a new building addresses a dual challenge: to reinforce the scientific excellence currently present in Geneva and to remedy the outdated and inadequate condition of existing facilities. This project will strengthen the scientific strategies of UNIGE, the Faculty of Science, and the academic departments to support and enhance their international standing. It will provide optimal conditions for advanced teaching and research, encouraging innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Through its layout and by offering a functional and stimulating environment, it will foster new synergies and help attract top specialists from around the world.

Where will this new center be located?

The building will be located between the Sciences II-III buildings and the Institute of Physics, on a plot currently occupied by temporary structures. It is the result of an international, anonymous architecture competition launched by the Cantonal Office of Buildings (OCBA), which received submissions from 42 firms. The projects had to consider the site’s urban constraints and meet specific scientific needs.

Which architectural project was selected?

The winning project, Le Théorème de Marguerite, designed by Burckhardt Architecture SA, features a 20-story tower dedicated to research and a lower building for teaching, connected by an open agora that integrates with the neighborhood. The basement will house laboratory spaces that meet the high technical demands of contemporary research. Beyond its advanced capabilities tailored to current needs, the new building is also designed to adapt to the evolving nature of scientific research and teaching methods.

What is the value of this project for the neighborhood?

A consultation was conducted with residents, users, and the university community. The aim is to create a building that integrates harmoniously into the neighborhood—open, sustainable, and welcoming. The public space, surrounding area, and urban landscape will be redesigned. The project seeks to establish new connections between the city, the university, and the banks of the Arve, while adhering to high sustainability standards.

When will it be completed?

The successful outcome of the architecture competition marks a key milestone in a process that began nearly 20 years ago. The building is expected to be operational by 2033. We are now entering a phase of refining the project before submitting the investment credit request and the building permit application. This is an ambitious and essential project for the future of science in Geneva.

Who are the main contributors to this project?

Over the past 20 years, a great number of contributors have been actively involved in shaping this project. While I cannot thank everyone individually, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the teams around me in the Department of Quantum Matter Physics, as well as to the deans of the Faculty of Science and successive rectorates who have supported the project since its inception. I would also like to warmly thank the many UNIGE services involved, particularly DIBAT, along with the Canton and City of Geneva and their respective departments for their continued support.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the 42 candidates who took on the challenges of this project, and to the winning team, whose proposal opens up a world of possibilities.

More information:

Adriana Bonito Aleman, Chargée de communication

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