The University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons has grown continuously in recent years. Spread across five locations, the university can no longer be run efficiently. A sustainable new building at the Pulvermühle site in Chur will provide a suitable infrastructure for future-oriented teaching and research. The government has approved the corresponding building message with a total investment of 178 million francs for the attention of the Grand Council.

The realisation of a university centre is of great importance for the Canton of Graubünden from an educational, research and innovation policy perspective. The lack of skilled workers, particularly in the technical and scientific disciplines, is hindering the necessary growth and desired development of many companies in the canton. In this economically challenging environment, the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons is an important player in training and supporting young people while strengthening the competitiveness of the Grisons economy. A university of applied sciences with strong regional roots plays a part in guaranteeing attractive, high-quality education and training. It can encourage the immigration of talented individuals and skilled workers and reduce the emigration of skilled workers and graduates from the canton. The new university centre will raise the profile of the Grisons as a centre of education and science in the interests of young people and the economy beyond the borders of the canton.

A total of 57 applications were received in response to the call for tenders for the project competition. The jury then selected 13 planning teams to develop a project.

The ‘PARTENARIS’ project by the team of Giuliani Hönger Architekten, Abicht Zug AG, Dr. Lüchinger+Meyer Bauingenieure AG and Drees & Sommer Switzerland won the project competition in 2022. The project already cleared the first hurdle in March 2023 – the population of Graubünden approved the net construction loan of 151 million francs with a large majority of 83 per cent. The structure of the building is to be constructed as a timber-concrete composite construction. The solid timber beams required for this will be produced in local forests. An innovative building services concept, partially integrated into the wooden façade, significantly reduces the amount of building services installations. The use of photovoltaics in the façade and on the roofs means that the annual energy requirement is covered by the building's own production.

Further information: https://www.fhgr.ch/