After twelve years together as Wagner Vanzella Architects, Michael Wagner and Raphael Vanzella continue their work in two offices. Michael runs Studio Lɔkɔ, Raphaels Pentimento GmbH focuses on renovations and construction management. Both offices remain at the same address and continue to work closely together.

Commissioned by the City of Zurich, we have started planning the partial renovation of the facade of the Utohof housing estate on Uetlibergstrasse and Schweighofstrasse in Zurich-Friesenberg. The housing estate was built in 1973/74 by architect Hannes Trösch and is now listed in the inventory of art and cultural-historical protected objects of municipal significance. The building envelope is now to be renovated 15 years after the general renovation in 2008. The renovation work will begin in October 2025 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. [Image: Architectural History Archive of the City of Zurich, 1976].

On August 12, 2025, Michael gave an expert interview on Tele Z aktuell, sharing his insights on how cities can better cope with summer heat. During the interview, he explained specific measures such as greening roofs and facades, planting trees, and using light-colored building materials, which help to cool densely built-up urban areas. He also emphasized that adapting to rising temperatures is not solely the responsibility of planners: it requires the commitment of politicians, administrators, real estate developers, and civil society to successfully implement climate-resilient urban spaces in the long term. The interview shows how important a holistic approach to urban development is in order to ensure that urban spaces remain livable in the future.

watch the interview on TELE Z

Construction on Limmattalstrasse in Höngg, Zurich has begun and is expected to be completed by April 2026.

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Michael made an appearance on the SRF programme 10vor10 on 24 June 2025. In a report on heat reduction in urban areas, he spoke about the relevance of climate-resilient urban development.

to the interview on SRF (german)

Construction on Viktoriastrasse in Zurich Oerlikon has begun and is expected to be completed by Januar 2026.

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To strengthen our team and to work on a conversion project in the city of Zurich, we are looking for a motivated project manager (60-100%). In this position with attractive development opportunities, you will take responsibility for design, planning and implementation.

You are an open, motivated and reliable person with a keen interest in architecture and a strong commitment to the field. You have a responsible and structured way of working, the ability to work in a team, assertiveness and entrepreneurial thinking. Your completed architectural studies and your professional experience in Switzerland qualify you for this role. Your strengths lie in an exact and independent way of working as well as a high design standard. You can work with Vectorworks, have a very good knowledge of German and are familiar with the Swiss construction industry and the applicable standards.

We offer a diverse working environment with interesting projects for public and private clients. We encourage an independent way of working and open communication and value fair working conditions. In addition to the projects and a creative and cooperative working environment, a beautiful workplace awaits you in our office on Schanzengraben. We look forward to receiving your application with CV (max. 12 MB) by email to mail@wagnervanzella.ch

The July issue of BAUMEISTER 07/24 includes an extensive interview with Michael Wagner about the work as an urban designer. Many thanks to Ramona Kraxner and the editorial team for the wonderful article.

Read the article

Last weekend we celebrated our summer party with the whole studio. First we visited our recently completed school pavilion at the Rudolf Steiner School and then had dinner together at Les Wagons. It was a great evening. Many thanks to you all!

On the southern side of Brugg Windisch railway station, there is one of the last and largest development and transformation areas next to a train station in the canton of Aargau. A test planning study is to show how this area, which is currently heavily industrialised, can be developed into a sustainable neighbourhood in the medium to long term. Together with Salewski Nater Kretz (lead), BÖE, TEAMverkehr and Cabane Partner, we are one of three selected teams working on this challenging task until next year. We look forward to working together.

to the website of the development process