Swiss consulate in Chicago. An interior design inspired by the organic architecture of Otto Kolb

The project was a collaboration between the Swiss architectural firm HHF and the Chicago firm Kwong Von Glinow. The design was inspired by Villa Kolb, the main residence of architect Otto Kolb, who taught in Chicago at the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1960. The villa with its organic geometries and the fluidity in the architecture of the house, allowing a succession of spaces that flow into each other

Similarly, the Swiss consulate in Chicago is organized around a "green core" at the middle of the space where staff gather and from which the entire consular space is visible and accessible. Around the Green Core are offices, a conference room and support areas. The Green Core creates a soft division within the Consulate between social and working areas

Curving recessed benches and a kitchenette are used to bridge the two programmatic areas. The curved light-filtering elements provide a soft contrast between the organic geometry of the Green Core and the abstract furniture of the working areas

The frosted glass of the enclosed offices and the conference room further emphasize the connection between all areas of the Consulate and add depth and light to the space. The Consul General's office features designer furniture