EM2N – City Factory: Advocating for a City of Tolerant Co-Existence

EM2N is an architecture firm based in Zurich that focuses on urban transformation processes. They have worked on projects in Berlin, Brussels, and Hamburg, converting existing buildings and creating diverse designs. Their first monograph, "EM2N — City Factory," explores their interest in the city as a productive space of human life and offers a self-critical review of their achievements. It also includes contributions from fellow architects and friends, along with photographs, plans, and drawings.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 508 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2023
Publisher: Park Books

Since its establishment in 1997, Zurich-based architecture firm EM2N has been at the forefront of urban transformation processes. Initially focused on the greater Zurich area, the firm has expanded its reach to include projects in Berlin, Brussels, and Hamburg. Over the years, a diverse body of work has emerged, comprising more than half of conversions of existing buildings. This has resulted in numerous successful projects and a few failures, encompassing small structures and large-scale complexes, swift decisions and slow processes.

What unites the designs, projects, and texts featured in this first monograph on EM2N is a profound interest in the city as an exciting, contradictory, and above all productive space of human life. This vision has been maintained by founding partners Mathias Müller and Daniel Niggli throughout their 25 years of collaboration.

In EM2N — City Factory, the firm offers a self-critical review of its achievements while also delving into the learning processes, personal interests, and conceptual approaches to future tasks in ever-changing cities. This comprehensive exploration is complemented by contributions from fellow architects and friends, as well as a wealth of photographs, plans, drawings, and other illustrations.

Through their work, EM2N has demonstrated a commitment to shaping cities that are not only functional but also sustainable and socially inclusive. Their projects showcase a blend of creativity, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of the urban context, resulting in spaces that enhance the lives of their inhabitants and contribute to the betterment of the communities they serve.

As cities continue to evolve and adapt to the changing demands of society, EM2N's insights and experiences will undoubtedly continue to be valuable in shaping the future of urban spaces. This monograph serves as a testament to the firm's dedication to pushing the boundaries of urban design and making a positive impact on the world around us.

Weight: 1696g
Dimension: 220 x 320 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783038600862