With the new "Perron" building, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts is creating a modern, inspiring environment for learning, teaching and research in the heart of the city. From February 16, 2026, around 3,000 students, 6,500 continuing education participants and 400 employees will come and go at the Lucerne Railway Station campus - consisting of the new "Perron" building and "Zentralstrasse 9".
The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts will open the new "Perron" building at the start of the semester on February 16, 2026. The five-storey, 180-metre-long building is located in the Rösslimatt district, right next to Lucerne railroad station. It offers a contemporary infrastructure for study, further education, research, exchange and cooperation. "The new building marks an important milestone in the development of the university," says Rector Barbara Bader.
With the "Perron" and the building at Zentralstrasse 9, the HSLU has a presence in the heart of the city. The two locations of the Lucerne Railway Station campus are only a few minutes’ walk apart, which makes everyday life easier for students and lecturers and enables a high degree of flexibility in the use of the premises.
Other locations spread across the city, such as Werftestrasse 1, Frankenstrasse 7/9 and Rösslimatte 48, will be abandoned.
The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts rents the "Perron" building from the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and uses around 21,000 square meters of space. The connection to the district heating and cooling network of Energie Wasser Luzern ensures 100 percent sustainable generation of heating and cooling. In addition to the criteria of the 2000-watt society, the HSLU also meets the targets of the Swiss Sustainable Building Council (SGNI) at silver level and thus contributes to the climate and energy strategy of the Canton of Lucerne.
Modern infrastructure in a central location
In future, around 3,000 students on Bachelor’s and Master’s degree courses in business, social work and nursing, around 400 employees and 6,500 continuing education participants will come and go from the "Perron" and Zentralstrasse 9.
"The central location, direct access to public transport and modern infrastructure increase the attractiveness of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts," says Christine Böckelmann, Director of the Department of Business. This will strengthen HSLU in its role as an important education and research player in Central Switzerland.
The "Perron" building offers a modern infrastructure with classrooms and workrooms, an auditorium and office space as well as a library. The joint services of the three universities HSLU, University and PH Lucerne - University Sports (HSCL) and the Psychological Counseling Center (PBLU) - will also find a new home in the new building.
There is a canteen, a bistro and a catering area on the top floor. An Asian restaurant has also moved into the first floor. These facilities are open not only to students, continuing education participants and employees of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, but also to visitors. The premises can be hired for special events.
Space for interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange
The new "Perron" building brings the Departments of Social Work and Business together under one roof. "The two departments have been working together on joint projects and content-related cooperation for many years," emphasizes Dorothee Guggisberg, Director of the Department of Social Work. "However, with the immediate physical proximity and more open structures, the exchange will experience additional quality and encourage new forms of cooperation," she is convinced.
An open house
The architecture of the "Perron" is characterized by openness and permeability. Generous visual references create a strong spatial connection to the surrounding area, the train station and the Rösslimatt district. The access zones are deliberately designed as meeting places that promote lively interaction.
The building embodies the HSLU’s self-image of being at the heart of and close to the issues and needs that move society, business and politics.
All neighbors and interested parties are invited to get to know the new campus: the open day will take place on 20 June 2026.
