La Tulipe (The Tulip), Centre for Medical Research, Geneva 1975-1976,© Karin Bürki/Heartbrut, Swiss Brutalism. Explore more on Heartbrut.com

La Tulipe

Words & Photography: Karin Bürki

Words & Photography: Karin Bürki

The crystal that fell to earth: hypnotically compelling and of extraterrestrial beauty, La Tulipe challenges the clichés of brutalism. Here is a 70’s concrete hunk not afraid to embrace the soft, playful and delicate.

When was the last time you lingered at a brutalist science site for pleasure? Wedged between Geneva’s main hospital complex and a micro forest, the centre for medical research looks like an abstract wise-tree ejected from an icy galaxy or a souvenir from a former Soviet republic. Fractal panes of raw concrete form a massive trunk, from which vertical, slender branches frame a crystalline cube of candyfloss tinted glass windows. Gazing at the pastel pinks, blues and yellows melting gently in the golden haze of the afternoon sun is a feast for the eyes.

Even the futuristic, golden elevator entrance at the foot of the trunk glistens like the promise of scientific progress, in a Ken Adam-designed, Bond fantasy kind of way. The crystal that fell to earth is also galaxies away from the ascetic, no-nonsense masculinity that dominates so many brutalist designs in this country. This floral solitaire is a 70s macho who proudly embraces his softer side. It remains a radical rarity on planet Switzerland to this very day.

The concrete crystal presents a rare case of brutalist scene stealing; the framework and vivid pastels easily outshine their nondescript surroundings. However, the concrete showpiece is well hidden behind a tall hedge. If you don’t look up, you’ll miss the tulip despite its beguiling beauty.
The Tulip reflects the more international profile of its designer, Jack Vicajee Bertoli. Born in Mumbai, the urban planner and architect started out as an assistant to luminaries such as Breuer and Saarinen, and went on to work with Le Corbusier on the planning of Chandigarh, India. With his own practice based in Geneva, he has completed projects in India, France, Italy, USA, the Caribbean and Africa.
La Tulipe (The Tulip), Centre for Medical Research, Geneva 1975-1976,© Karin Bürki/Heartbrut, Swiss Brutalism. Explore more on Heartbrut.com

© Karin Bürki/Heartbrut

© Karin Bürki/Heartbrut

Sentier des Toblerones, Toblerone Trail, Canton Vaud, Swiss WWII anti-tank fortification line, built 1939-1944 © Karin Bürki. Explore more on Heartbrut.com
Brunnmatt Schulhaus, Basel © Karin Bürki/HEARTBRUT. Explore more on Heartbrut.com
Neumarkt Brugg, Shopping Centre, Office Tower, Gabriel Droz, Brugg, 1971-1976, © Karin Bürki/Heartbrut, Swiss Brutalism. Explore more on Heartbrut.com
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