University of St.Gallen to receive sustainable temporary teaching facility with CHF 28 million cantonal loan

Positioning of the new temporary facility. (Rendering by Geissmann Architektur)

(IN BRIEF) The University of St.Gallen continues to face a shortage of teaching space due to rising student numbers and the addition of new programs such as IT. To ensure adequate facilities until the Platztor campus opens in 2032 and major renovations on Rosenberg are finished, the Cantonal Council is applying for a CHF 28 million loan to build a sustainable temporary wooden structure near the university library. This modular facility, offering 3,200 square metres of space, is expected to be ready by 2029 with a lifespan of at least 15 years. It will replace outdated provisional buildings currently in use and provide a flexible, environmentally conscious solution for the university’s teaching needs.

(PRESS RELEASE)  ST. GALLEN, 25-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of St.Gallen (HSG) is facing an ongoing shortage of teaching space, a challenge that has intensified since the introduction of its IT program in 2021. To address this issue, the Cantonal Council is seeking approval for a special loan of CHF 28 million to finance the construction of a modern temporary facility on the Rosenberg campus.

The Council emphasizes the importance of strengthening St.Gallen’s standing as a leading educational hub both within Switzerland and internationally. Yet, the growing number of students has placed considerable pressure on the university’s infrastructure. According to the 2026 relief package debate, student numbers are projected to be capped at around 9,500, but sufficient space will not be available until the new Platztor campus is completed in 2032 and the extensive renovation of the main Rosenberg building is finalized. This means that temporary teaching facilities will remain essential in the coming years.

Currently, three provisional buildings support teaching at the Rosenberg site. However, two of them are approaching the end of their technical lifespan and the temporary permits, repeatedly extended in the past, will soon expire. These outdated structures will be replaced by a new sustainable wooden facility, designed to provide flexibility and environmental responsibility.

The proposed new building will be located on the canton-owned Girtannersberg site, northeast of the university library. Planned as a modular timber element structure, it will offer approximately 3,200 square metres of usable space. Its construction is scheduled for completion by 2029, with a guaranteed lifespan of at least 15 years. Notably, the building is designed to be dismantled and reused, further reflecting its sustainable concept. Any federal contributions approved for the project will reduce the CHF 28 million loan request.

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SOURCE: University of St. Gallen