Orelli Hall
Client
University of Zurich
Project location
Zurich, Switzerland
Project date
2026
Architekt
HPP Architekten GmbH
Fotos
Denkmalpflege Kanton Zürich, Foto: Urs Siegenthaler
Contemporary lighting design meets Baroque
The Orelli Hall at Stockargut in Zurich is regarded as an extremely important historical witness dating from the 17th century. Today, the entire building and the listed room are used by the University of Zurich. To establish a contemporary culture of meetings and conferences, HPP Architekten were commissioned in 2025 to reinterpret this venerable venue in collaboration with the University of Zurich’s Directorate of Property and Operations. Zumtobel developed the lighting concept featuring three contemporary chandeliers.
"We proposed Zumtobel for the project because I had already had excellent experience working with them on a similarly demanding project. Once again, Zumtobel was the right choice and did a brilliant job of bringing our ideas to life, both technically and in terms of design. I am very pleased with the result."
Roger Huwyler, Managing Director at HPP Architekten GmbH
A reinterpretation of the chandelier
The aim was not to blur the distinction between the historical elements and the new interventions, but rather to juxtapose the old and the new side by side without judgement. Since March 2026, three chandeliers with a diameter of 2.2 metres have been illuminating the hall with precision. The circular chandeliers are fitted into the ceiling areas left free of ornamentation, ensuring that neither stucco work nor ceiling paintings are visually affected. Indirect, diffuse and directional light perfectly illuminate the hall and the conference table.
A contemporary response to Baroque opulence
The luminaires confidently complement the Baroque interior with their own design language and materiality. The light from the indirectly radianting LED light line shimmers delicately through the transparent, textured acrylic glass of the luminaire diffuser. The scale-like structure of the diffuser is a contemporary response to the opulent Baroque ornamentation. Old and new stand side by side without disturbing the harmony.
“I saw the chandeliers and was impressed. Harmonious and modern at the same time, they blend confidently into the Baroque architecture. It simply looks fantastic. It simply looks fantastic.”
Walter Allemann, Head of Interior Design Management IDM, University of Zurich
A versatile lighting system
In the Orelli Hall, light becomes an architectural design element and a statement – and a bridge between the eras. Discreetly positioned along the lower edge of the chandeliers, mini spotlights illuminate the conference table perfectly for a variety of uses. The lighting atmosphere can be controlled by dimming the indirect and direct light. The hall is therefore ideally equipped for traditional meetings, lectures, presentations, small and large discussion formats, as well as hybrid meetings.