Rolex Learning Center, Lausanne

The Rolex Learning Center, nestled in the heart of Lausanne, Switzerland, is a pioneering architectural feat and a cornerstone of academic life at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). This iconic building, completed in 2010, redefines the traditional concept of a university library and study space, offering a seamless blend of learning facilities, research opportunities, and leisure areas.

Designed by the acclaimed Japanese architectural firm SANAA, the Rolex Learning Center's distinctive feature is its undulating floor, which rises and falls like the waves of an aluminum sea, creating hills and valleys within a single, fluid space. This innovative design encourages interaction and collaboration, embodying the spirit of openness and intellectual exchange that EPFL stands for.

Spread over one vast 20,000 square meter floorplate, the center houses a state-of-the-art library with over half a million printed works, multimedia stations, and access to countless digital resources. It also comprises study spaces, a bookshop, a café, and a restaurant, making it a place where students and researchers can spend their entire day, from studying to socializing.

The Rolex Learning Center is not only a hub for the EPFL community but also a cultural landmark in Lausanne. Its open-plan design and public access make it a welcoming space for both the local population and international visitors, fostering a unique dialogue between academia and the public.