The head office of Vaudoise was built in 1956 by architect Jean Tschumi and it has become a stellar example of modern architecture and a national symbol. Tschumi's vision back then was to unify art and architecture and create an inspiring environment for work.

That philosophy continues to live on through the renovation and the artwork by Nigel Peake, who takes Tschumi's concept of an overarching, holistic artwork a step further. 

Facade by Nigel Peakes (Image: Vaudoise)

Continued Creative Cooperation

Peake, born in 1981 in Ireland and educated at the University of Edinburgh, is known for his detailed drawings and his ability to turn architecture into art.

He first worked for Vaudoise in 2014 and created the project «Through, along and above», which was inspired by Tschumi's architectural style and the surrounding environment in Lausanne.

Nigel Peake in front of his work «On and Around» (Image: Vaudoise)

Cast in a New Light

For his current project «On and Around»,  Peake reinterpreted the blueprints, the location, and the material composition of the building. «I wanted to draw links to my work in 2014 and cast a new light on the sky and mountains through the building», he explained.

His lines are a lively dialogue between the architectural elements, the city, and the landscape.

Art Meets Architecture

The framework and scaffolding were the work of Richnerstutz, which specializes in large-scale projects. The lines, colors, and structures of the main facades on the Avenue de Cour and the Avenue des Bains are an integral part of the city's image while also now indicative of a creative symbiosis between Peake and Tschumi.

Colors, forms, and lines wrapped around the building (Image: Vaudoise)

Hand and Machine

Implementing the work required close cooperation between Vaudoise, Nigel Peake, and Itten+Brechbühl, the architectural office doing the building renovation. Richnerstutz, a general contractor, took over everything from planning to installation of the work.

Both machine and hand work were required for the more than 2,300 square meter facade, indicated Marc Muehlemann, Key Account Management & Marketing, Suisse Romande at Richnerstutz. The work comprises individual, 5-meter broad elements that have to be fit exactly to make sure the transitions work.

Inherited Vision

Art has played a central role at Vaudoise since its founding.  Tschumi laid the groundwork by integrating that into the main office. Currently, the insurer's collection runs to about 300 works, most of which are on display at the head office in Lausanne.

The Vaudoise Art Commission continues to support artists, particularly those with a connection to Switzerland. It does not buy completed works but instead, commissions individual artists to create new work for the company.