Cladding the balustrade, the fall guards, and the spiral staircases and elevator towers at either end of this footbridge at Zurich’s main train station, GKD’s Metal Mesh facade is semi-translucent, offering users views to the city while ensuring their safety. Along the bridge, the horizontal warp wires are installed with a zigzag effect that alters the material’s transparency and opacity, while on the vertical structures, the wires are more rigid. Together, the two applications give the bridge architectural lightness and exemplify the meshes’ possibilities.

The MetaMetal collection features eight single-skin aluminum compositions that highlight the rugged material’s poetic qualities. Available as panel systems or flat sheets, the designs (Bohemian, Patria and Float, shown here) can be customized for pattern, colour, gloss, texture and scale. Finished with organic pigments and resins, the durable surfaces are 100 per cent recyclable, and are resistant to cracking, UV degradation, fading and more.

Recently added to Engineered Assemblies’ portfolio of cladding materials, Germany’s DF Perforated Panels allow for unique patterns and graphics through the brand’s DesignPerf technology. Shown here on a multi-storey parking garage, three-millimetre galvanized metal sheets have a bubble-like effect, partially concealing the building’s inner workings while letting light pass through.