the institute forms an end to the stip of education buildings coming from the main station. the entrance is orientated toward the Limmatplatz where the building marks its presence with height. the square between institute and church is framed and protected from the busy Limmatplatz.

the public ground floor is accessed by two halls. one is used as a foyer to the lecture theaters and to the forum, the other one next to the entry comprises a cafeteria and a big stairway leading to the upper part of the building.

this upper part of the building is dedicated to the actual institute building a world of its own. it is organised along inner streets with little bridges, thus allowing for enough light in the deep foorplan.