“A brutalist masterpiece? Or a concrete monstrosity?” someone once whispered about this very building. Right before you stands Uni Dufour, a structure that has sparked debate in Geneva since its inauguration in 1974. This building, with its stark concrete facade, is the beating heart of the Universit\u00e9 de Gen\u00e8ve. Now, you might be surprised to hear that its design was inspired by the renowned architect Le Corbusier. However, instead of embracing the flowing lines of his later works, Uni Dufour reflects the rawer, more modular style he explored earlier in his career. The building rose from the ashes of the Maison des Congr\u00e8s, which tragically burned down in 1964. The architects, Francesco, Paux, and Vicari, envisioned a structure that was both functional and forward-thinking. They designed Uni Dufour to house not only administrative offices and the rectorate but also lecture halls, seminar rooms, and even a cafeteria. Interestingly, their initial plans included a completely green facade, a stark contrast to the bare concrete we see today. Sadly, budget constraints clipped the wings of this ambitious idea. Over the years, the university has attempted to soften the building’s severe appearance. In 1997, a competition led to the installation of those red and green digital counters you see on the facade. They were intended to add a touch of whimsy and dynamism, playing with the concept of time. Whether you admire its bold simplicity or find yourself underwhelmed, one thing’s for certain: Uni Dufour stands as a testament to Geneva’s complex relationship with architectural trends and its ongoing evolution.
Monument en reconnaissance aux immigrantes et immigrants italiens à Genève Sculpture
Standing before the Monument en reconnaissance aux immigrantes et immigrants italiens à Genève, one might wonder what the figure is