Geneva Airport Asylum Seekers Center

Nytt asylmottak innen flyplass

The Geneva Airport Asylum Seekers Center was developed in response to federal requirements to provide a dedicated facility for asylum seekers and individuals refused entry into Switzerland. Due to the conflict of the previous location with plans for the airport's future east wing, the project required the relocation of the center to a new site within Geneva Airport's property, a plot measuring approximately 39,690 square meters. The goal was to create a specialized, functional, and comfortable environment suited for its sensitive purpose.

Funksjonell én-etasjes bygning

The facility consists of a single-storey building organized into two connected blocks with flat roofs, linked by an airlock. The design is centered around a main corridor that allows ample natural light to reach all rooms. The interior layout includes administrative areas with offices, supervision, hearing rooms, counseling spaces, and a small cafeteria. Residential zones comprise dormitories, family rooms, a playroom, a prayer room, and multipurpose rooms, along with technical spaces and sanitary facilities that feature showers and individual toilets. Structurally, the building uses reinforced concrete slabs and load-bearing 'Agglo-plein' cement walls, which provide substantial sound insulation and robustness.

Minergie-P-sertifisert miljødesign

Sustainability and energy efficiency were key considerations in the building's design. The exterior includes efficient peripheral insulation beneath fiber cement cladding, accented by decorative wooden elements around window openings. Windows are triple-glazed and reinforced against intrusion. The heating and cooling systems utilize geothermal probes, complemented by photovoltaic sensors on the building. These elements collectively enabled the center to achieve the Swiss Minergie-P certification, reflecting high standards in environmental performance and occupant comfort. The facade was designed for sober, harmonious proportions, balancing vertical fiber cement panels with horizontal wooden partitions.

Byggeprosess under flyplasskrav

Construction of the center began in June 2015 and was completed by June 2016, with a total building period of approximately ten months despite the constraints inherent in working within an active airport zone, such as strict height limits and security considerations. The project was overseen architecturally by Holdener Architectures from Geneva, focusing on a rational, clear, and discreet design that meets the operational requirements without drawing undue attention. The build quality and finish were upheld rigorously, representing a collaborative effort among designers, contractors, and airport authorities to deliver a durable, efficient, and sensitive facility catering to the needs of asylum seekers.