House of the Falcon: A Transit-Driven Office by Santiago Calatrava

Completed in late 2025, Haus zum Falken marks the latest chapter in Santiago Calatrava’s long relationship with Zurich. The five-story office building sits directly alongside Stadelhofen Station, extending the language of the adjacent transit hub while addressing demands around mobility, density and public space.

At street level, the building’s faceted glass panels and rhythmic vertical fins create a striking, dynamic presence. The sculptural form softens as it meets the ground, opening into curved supports and generous glazing. Rather than competing with its surroundings, the architecture reinforces pedestrian flows and strengthens the station plaza as an urban connector.

One of the project’s most forward-looking features lies beneath the surface. An underground facility for 800 bicycles removes congestion from the public square while actively promoting cycling as part of Zurich’s daily commute.

Developed for Swiss insurer AXA, Haus zum Falken balances expressive form with clear functionality. It reflects Calatrava’s ongoing interest in transit-oriented design, where architecture, movement and civic life intersect, and offers a confident, contemporary addition to one of Zurich’s most active urban nodes.

Photos by Ingo Rasp.

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