The traditional Brunnenhof area in Zurich, for decades home to Radio SRF, is being revitalized: Since 2025, it has been home to a modern school center with classrooms, a music school, and versatile exercise zones. Under the direction of Jovanka Rakic from the Office for Structural Engineering of the City of Zurich and according to the plans of Spillmann Echsle Architekten, the historical ensemble was carefully rebuilt and adapted to the needs of the next generations.
From radio history to the education of the future
The Zurich radio studio, opened in 1933, shaped Swiss radio culture for almost 90 years. After SRF moved to Leutschenbach in 2022, the area behind Bucheggplatz became vacant. Instead of demolition and new construction, the city of Zurich is focusing on a well-thought-out conversion – a model project that shows how the preservation of existing buildings and contemporary architecture can come together.
The eight-story high-rise will in the future house classrooms for around 15 classes. The former canteen will be converted into a canteen for all-day school operations, and two former radio studios will be preserved as concert and event spaces.
Movement in the outdoor area: climbing cube and parkour
The outdoor area of the Brunnenhof is also being redesigned to become a place of movement, encounter, and creativity. A highlight is the new climbing cube, supplied by Vertical Technik AG, a Swiss specialist for outdoor fitness and leisure facilities. Likewise, the parkour facility was partially realized by Vertical Technik AG – it offers a variety of opportunities for sports, games, and exercise and invites both students and the local population to participate.
A project with foresight
Project manager Jovanka Rakic emphasizes the importance of the project: “We are transforming a historically significant place into a vibrant learning and meeting space. The Brunnenhof will be a place where education, music, and movement come together in an inspiring way.” With the renovation of the Brunnenhof, the city of Zurich is demonstrating how existing buildings can be used in a meaningful and future-oriented way for new educational purposes – a model for sustainable urban development and lived building culture.
Opening: 2025
Location:
Parkour Facility Brunnenhofstrasse 20 Zurich 47.4009649, 8.5357539
Climbing Cube Brunnenhofweg 30 Zurich 47.40096, 8.535754
