SRF Campus Zürich Neubau News & Sport Center Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF)

SRF Campus – News and Sport Centre, Zurich, Switzerland
Project overview

The SRF Campus houses the news and sports departments of Swiss Radio and Television. Designed by Penzel Valier, the campus features studios, offices and production facilities that require controlled lighting for broadcasting as well as comfortable working environments. The building opened in 2019 and reflects SRF’s commitment to transparency and sustainability.

Design challenge

Broadcast studios are sensitive to both natural and artificial light; uncontrolled daylight can create glare on screens and cameras or wash out images. At the same time, offices and support spaces benefit from a connection to the outdoors. The challenge was to provide a shading system that could darken studios when necessary but remain open to admit light during less sensitive operations. The system had to maintain aesthetic consistency across façades.

RetroSolar strategy

The design incorporates RETROLux 50 mm blinds that remain predominantly horizontal
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. The reflective surfaces allow the blinds to darken studios effectively by reflecting light away when desired. When the blinds are horizontal, they provide high transparency and diffuse light into the work areas, enhancing visibility while preventing glare. The system allows for quick adjustments according to broadcasting schedules, giving operators control over the lighting conditions.

Building physics and performance

The mirror‑optic blinds provide excellent control over daylight, enabling rapid transitions from a darkened state to bright, evenly lit conditions. The horizontal position ensures that the blinds maintain high visible transmittance when open, preserving views and reducing the need for artificial lighting. The reflective surfaces reduce solar heat gain, supporting the building’s energy efficiency. This approach meets both the functional requirements of broadcasting and the comfort needs of staff.

Architectural outcome and significance

The SRF Campus demonstrates that RetroSolar technology can meet the stringent requirements of broadcasting facilities. The shading system integrates unobtrusively into the building’s glass façades, contributing to a sleek exterior. Inside, the ability to quickly modulate light allows studios to operate efficiently while providing comfortable workspaces for journalists and technical staff. The project underscores the versatility of mirror‑optic blinds in specialised building types.