Our spaces, Roche guide of the built environment
Buildings Key Features
Ahead of time
Adaptable to future change
- Plan for future needs, phases, and extensions.
- Layout the structure for an optimal bay width, core position, and floor plan size and proportion to allow flexibility of use.
- Design modular, standardized structure in provision for further extension.
Sustainable technology
- Take design opportunities to promote and communicate sustainable awareness, considering local specificity.
- Facilitate low-energy solutions for cooling, heating, lighting, etc. in compliance with Roche sustainability directives K6 – K18.
- Choose non-toxic products and materials with a low environmental impact.
Fit to purpose
Designed from the inside out
- Function drives form and structure.
- Clear, rational and simple spatial organization and structure for flexibility of use.
- The building’s expression must be consistent with functional typology.
The expression of function
- Form relates to the content and interior organization, reflecting the building’s function.
- Use rectilinear forms, as they are easily referenced by the human eye.
- Roche buildings must have a timeless elegant appearance.
Easy maintenance
- Select durable, resistant, easy-to-clean materials and design solutions.
- Plan low maintenance systems and easy accessible HVAC and MEP installations.
- Practice a low water use green concept.
- Define a Life Cycle strategy based on the Dia Life Cycle Asset Management (LCAM) process.
- Follow the building operation manual. Use the building management system to monitor, analyze and reset for optimum efficiency in operation.
Form at human scale
Human scale
- Define spaces according to human measurements.
- Elements should be scaled to human physical capabilities.
- Avoid monumental scale, oversized spaces, and extremely large distances.
Pure volumes
- Design timeless, primary volumes that can be clearly read and respond to their function.
- Any infrastructure or connecting elements should be visually differentiated from the main volume.
Find the essential
- Employ a consistent, harmonious and elegant formal language, beyond stylistic.
- Focus on a reduced expression, without superfluous ornament.
- Present a timeless, clear geometry and simple appearance.
- Use reduced number of different materials, preferring the natural and authentic.
The third dimension
- Visible and inviting vertical connections contribute to the awareness of space.
- Consider an atrium to provide light and generosity of space.
- Cross views guide users throughout the building.
The right proportion
- Maximize the height for a generous space feeling.
- Choose ceiling types according to a concept defined by space functional typologies.
- Use modular, rational criteria for the rhythm of lighting and installations, according to the building’s structure.
The atmosphere of space
Building character
- Define building character by consistent use of key building elements.
- Materials and construction techniques articulate buildings to form a distinctive identity.
Emblematic stairs
- Encourage the use of stairs by placing them visibly in places of social interaction.
- Reflect on body movement to create a spatial experience through emblematic stairs.
Attention to detail
- Thoughtful construction detailing, elegant and simple.
- Plain functional solutions, never over articulated or ornamented.
- Consistent attention is given to the entrance areas, staircases, roof trims, handrails, fenestration, and sun shading elements.
Working with light
- Consider the relationship between window area and depth of space to achieve right levels of natural light.
- Natural light is essential for all permanent workplaces, provide shading and glare control for user comfort.
- Provide visual connections to the exterior.
- Achieve a balanced combination of natural and artificial light.
Transparency and openness
- Transparency in the ground floor provides visual and functional connection with the exterior outdoor space.
- Openness results from clear structural planning.
- Limit the amount of glazing according to climate conditions and follow the K-18 directive.
Neutral colour
- Roche buildings convey luminosity and a purity associated with healthcare.
- White and light colours are preferred for buildings.
- Accent colours shall be used mostly on non-permanent finishes
- Roche blue is only used for the logo, not for building elements, graphics or decorative elements.
Adapted to the local environment
Contributing to a sense of place
- Reflect the site structure and design guidelines by the Master Plan.
- Interpret and contribute to the unique cultural aspirations of the site.
- Follow the site framework and organizational structure.
Responding to climate
- Analyze the environment and climatic factors of the region to adapt to it.
- The massing, typology and performance of the building envelope should be adapted to the local climate and sun exposure.
- Comply with K-18 directive for thermal performance guidance.
Natural materials
- Work with natural, raw materials in their original colour and finish, tactile appearance.
- Use authentic, durable, quality materials, selected according to functional and structural requirements.
- Prefer locally sourced, sustainable materials.
- Avoid the use of materials that try to imitate others, stay true.