Wittfoht architects' sketch for WTO extension

Geneva, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) – The World Trade Organization (WTO) is to have an improved and larger home in its present location, and pedestrians who like to stroll along the lakefront, or fans of the nearby William Rappard Park need not fear: the lakefront will remain open and none of the magnificent old trees will be cut down. Plans for the extension were unveiled officially Monday March 23 by the city, canton and federal government, who are all participating in the CHF130 million project.

Four sites in Geneva had been studied, at a cost of CHF150,000, but the solution of expanding on the present site was chosen as the most cost-effective and quickest, since there is no need to buy additional property. The architects, chosen from a field of 115, are the German firm Wittfoht Architekten (detailed description, pdf, “Report of the Jury”).

A pressing need for more space has plagued the organization for several months. Plans to expand on the existing site were the subject of heated debate, with concerns raised about cutting into the surrounding park and removing centenary cedar and cyprus trees and the possibility of huge security barriers going up on the lake road, among other objections.

In an unusual appearance together, since most construction and renovation are the domain of the city’s urban planning programme, the three levels of government jointly announced the approved plans to extend the WTO. The first phase will involve renovating the existing main building, with improving energy efficiency a high priority: windows will be replaced and thermostats added to radiators, for a start. The current parking lot will give way to a new building that will house 300 staff, with a restaurant that can seat 150. A 200-car underground parking lot will be built, creating a total of 600 parking spaces.

At a press conference Monday Swiss Federal Councilor Micheline Calmy-Rey fielded questions from Swiss media about the role of the Swiss government, which is offering the WTO CHF70 million and loaning it the other CHF60m. How much is Switzerland going to spend on facelifts for other international organizations, she was asked. “People have asked if we will be paying to renovate the UN,” she said, “It’s true that the United States is not expected to pay to renovate the UN building in New York.” She rebuffed the idea that Switzerland will start paying for UN renovations, but she pointed out that in recent years Geneva’s attraction as an international centre has suffered, in part because other cities have successfully wooed international organizations. It’s important for Switzerland to ensure that Geneva remains able to continue to maintain its international role, she said. The city hosts more than 2,000 international meetings a year, which bring in 170,000 delegates.

Laurent Moutinot, cantonal councilor, pointed out that Geneva has several expansion projects in coming months, in addition to the WTO and a major Maison de la Paix project nearby. Wipo (World Intellectual Property Organization) is building a conference hall for 1,000 and the International Conference Centre is adding a conference room. People have asked where a trade organization fits in with humanitarian organizations, and why it needs support, he said. ” Why trade? Because world trade needs rules and we can provide the framework” that allows this discussion, said Moutinot.

Related, “Trois socialistes à l’unisson pour garder l’OMC à Genève,” Le Temps, Fre

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.