This winning entry in the competition for a temporary pavilion to mark the 150th anniversary of ETH Zurich proposed instead using the large budget for a permanent structure that would bring real benefit in Afghanistan, with an associated temporary display in Zurich. Housing an auditorium, library, laboratory, guest apartments and security and technical facilities, the building functions as a politically and religiously neutral platform for the exchange of ideas between Afghan and Swiss students, and is deliberately humble in design. Its south-facing orientation, thick brick walls and insulated windows cater for the climate. Local construction workers were employed, acting as ‘filters’ for the design and adapting it to local traditions.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture