A major modernization project to adapt an emblematic building to current museum uses.

The Contemporary Art Building in Geneva is part of a history marked by several decades of evolution and successive transformations. Constructed in different phases, it reflects construction techniques representative of its time and has been adapted to multiple uses over the years. Today, as an iconic structure, it occupies a central place in Geneva’s cultural landscape.

In response to evolving museum practices and current regulatory requirements, a comprehensive restructuring has become necessary. The project aims to adapt the building to these new needs while preserving its architectural and structural heritage.

In this context, targeted demolition operations have been undertaken to free up new volumes and create more open and better-adapted spaces, particularly for public access. Here, demolition serves to reveal the building’s spatial potential and restore overall coherence to spaces shaped by successive alterations.

These demolition works are particularly complex, as the existing floors consist of prestressed concrete slabs. Therefore, before any cutting operations, clamping devices are installed to control cable release and ensure the safe removal of the slabs. The demolition process thus requires meticulous preparation and rigorous phasing, ensuring structural stability at every stage of the construction process.

Following the demolition works, interior reconstruction is initiated, including the creation of new elevator shafts.

These interventions are part of a project in which the existing structures, forming part of the building’s historical heritage, are preserved as much as possible, in order to limit alterations while providing clear, generous spaces adapted to the current requirements of a museum.