On an architectural tour of Dübendorf

I don’t think I’ve ever actually been to Dübendorf before. So when I was given the task of visiting Open House Zurich, it was immediately clear: I’m venturing into the unknown, to Dübendorf. After all, Dübendorf is one of this year’s focus locations, and Zurich is rather boring.

First realisation: Stettbach is actually already part of Dübendorf! And the second: It’s lovely here – they even have a river! But that’s not what this is about; I’m here for the architecture, and there is architecture in Dübendorf too.

My rainy architectural Saturday kicks off with a guided tour of the Obere Mühle. Somewhat embarrassed and far too late, I realise that I’ve been here before, at an Irish folk concert about 15 years ago. But as I said, this is about architecture, and the building I’m now being shown has only been standing since 2023.

The great thing about Open House Zurich is that the architects of the buildings present them themselves. This is how I learnt that the reason for the striking colour combination of the Obere Mühle (beige and black) is the spotlights, because spotlights that aren’t black cost twice as much. With a slight grind of the teeth, attention is also drawn to the wildly wired fridge in the kitchen and to the fact that the carefully installed fridge drawers next to it stand empty. Or that the steel spiral staircase leading up to the stage now has a covering so that the artists make a little less noise as they clatter into the auditorium.

My next stop is two residential buildings, both originally very old, but now, well, not so much anymore. From the outside, I probably wouldn’t have noticed the buildings at all, but from the inside they are real gems. There’s the stylish penthouse flat, where in one corner, alongside glass mosaics and exposed concrete, you can still see where the tar dripped 350 years ago, or the light well that offers an unobstructed view of the neighbours.

My tour ends at a secondary school building, where Lukas shows me round and lets me in on the behind-the-scenes gossip about a major construction project. Particularly interesting: cross-braced steel beams were originally planned for the large break hall, but it was later realised that this was completely unsuitable for blind people. Anyone using a white cane to feel their way along the wall would be lulled into a false sense of security and end up bumping their head. Without further ado, benches were installed beneath the steel beams – now popular with the pupils and providing much-needed seating.

A total of 193 events were open to the public free of charge this year as part of Open House Zurich. Some, such as the Doldertal tour, are extremely popular and can only be experienced with a lot of luck, as an architect told me, somewhat wistfully. Outside the city of Zurich, things are a bit quieter, but it’s definitely worth a visit. Peeking into strangers’ living rooms, taking lovely photos or asking yourself questions you’ve never asked before? I’m in.