Economic and environmental sustainability meet maximum flexibility.

Andreas Klenner, what are the needs of companies that rent space in Lake?
Each of our new builds incorporates insights into the changing needs of the world of work. Future users are looking for an inspiring environment that is conducive to high-quality work and well-being that is both efficient and functional. The Business Campus offers high-quality services such as a restaurant, conference services, a terrace, a reception, a multi-storey car park and much more. Lake has all of this. In addition to providing modern workplaces, Lake is also a meeting place – which is underscored by the architecture. Its central location and proximity to the water further increase its attractiveness and create a great balance. The building also meets high sustainability standards.

How important is the picturesque location on Lake Zurich for the attractiveness of the building?
There is no doubt that the outstanding location with views over Lake Zurich contributes to the attractiveness of Lake. Its prominent position on the lower lake basin meant that Zurich City Council placed extremely stringent demands on the design and quality of the building. The location at Mythenquai is also of great social and economic importance for the city of Zurich, as the current site was built during the construction of Zurich’s quays (1882–1887) under the direction of the city engineer Arnold Bürkli using excavated material from the construction of the Gotthard Tunnel.

Sustainability is a key factor in new projects. What makes Lake sustainable?
Swiss Re has set itself a net zero target by 2050. Accordingly, we place high demands on the quality of all our buildings – regardless of whether we occupy them ourselves or rent them out. As with the Swiss Re Next building, multiple certification processes in accordance with Minergie-P/Minergie-ECO and the internationally recognised LEED Platinum programme are required for the new Lake building. Swiss Re is thus making an important contribution to achieving the sustainability goals of the City of Zurich.

Well-being is also an important aspect at Lake.
Exactly, and in terms of sustainability, a building is sustainable if it is accepted with a high degree of satisfaction by its users and allows for flexibility in terms of use. Thanks to its first-class design and choice of materials, optimal space layouts and excellent daylight conditions, Lake guarantees its future users the highest standards of quality in terms of work and well-being.

Speaking of the next generation, to what extent was the office building developed with consideration of future generations and versatile uses?
Right from the very outset, the focus was on creating a future-proof building. For us, future-proof also means flexibility. Accordingly, the planning of Lake was geared towards high flexibility of use. And this was put to the test several times during the multi-year planning phase. Lake was always able to prove its robustness.

How do you see the role of this building in the context of the Swiss economy?
With this forward-looking investment in a first-class office building, Swiss Re underscores the importance of Zurich as a business location – and not only for the reinsurance and insurance industry.

What message do you want to convey with this impressive building?
The new Lake building will create a business campus of outstanding quality in terms of urban planning, architecture, functionality and sustainability. This will bring yet another attractive architectural landmark to Zurich. In addition, the new building will allow Swiss Re to relocate the parking spaces at the Enge port, thus laying the foundations for the redesign of the Enge harbour promenade. Through this, Swiss Re is making an important contribution to upgrading public space.

What will be your favourite place in Lake?
I am convinced that Lake will offer a variety of attractive locations regardless of the individual needs of its users. Personally, I am very much looking forward to entering the building via the lakeside terrace and marvelling at the impressive multi-storey entrance hall that floods the building with light.