This project for a federal centre located in the Swiss district of Novazzano-Balerna consists in the design of spaces where asylum seekers would be accommodated during the first 140 days from their arrival in Switzerland.

The concept developed proposes two separated and rotated buildings. The aim is to fit homogeneously in the assigned area as well as to create a convincing functional layout that responds to the client’s needs.

The courtyard typology has been chosen to address the spaces requirements defined in the program, and at the sametime to guarantee the correct lightning and offer a clear distribution of the different and multiple functions.

The image of the architecture conveys severity and wants to emphasize the role of this building as a place of control and efficiency. Therefore the volumes are presented as two rigorous monolithic blocks softened by the use of wooden facades which suggest a sense of hospitality and human warmth.