Business District Trist, Chur (Competition, 1st Prize)

The Chur-Trist site is located on the southwestern edge of Chur’s settlement area. The undeveloped plot is half-owned by the municipality and is intended to be developed into a high-quality commercial zone. The area is especially meant to provide space for local production and service businesses.

Based on a variant study, a guiding concept was created. The basic idea is to divide the site into three commercial courtyards that can be developed independently. Each commercial courtyard consists of three or four building volumes, which are partially connected on the ground and basement levels. The buildings provide space for different types of businesses, from medium-sized production companies to small service providers. Each courtyard has a different profile. Every courtyard includes a communal building where infrastructure can be shared (meeting rooms, foyer, bicycle storage, café space), enabling synergies (e.g., photo lab and photo studio / photographer). Thanks to the courtyard structure, access is consolidated. Traffic areas are kept compact, while attractive and spacious open spaces are provided. Each courtyard features a central courtyard plaza as a meeting place, and there is an attractive transition to the natural and cultural landscape via the orchard and Oberfreifeldweg. Two landscape windows offer beautiful views over the city and mountains.