Zurich: EF moves into Neue Börse
Education provider EF Education First has opened its new Zurich headquarters in the historic stock exchange building. It created 35,000 sqm of office space for up to 2,000 employees.
EF Education First worked with project partners Alfacel, Gross General Contractors, Immopro and Stücheli Architekten to transform the Neue Börse at Selnaustrasse 30 into a modern, open office environment.
The centerpiece of the ten-story headquarters is a large spiral staircase made of steel that connects the various floors. On the first floor, where stock exchange trading used to take place, a large open area called "The Exchange" has been created for exchanges, with a coffee bar and various work, sitting and meeting corners. The space is lit by 18 two-meter-high skylights. Furthermore, a planted roof terrace with a view of the Uetliberg and the Botanical Garden, a fully equipped gym, a yoga room, a game room and a daycare center with a playground have been created.
Construction of the New Stock Exchange began in 1987, and four years later the postmodern, granite-clad building consisting of six floors above ground and four underground floors with direct access to the Selnau train station was opened. Now, EF's various business units are located there, such as Language Schools, Educational Tours, High School Exchange Year and the Academy. Currently, 600 people work at the new location, and EF expects to grow to up to 2,000 employees in the next few years. (ah)
