An investigation into the collapse of a ceiling at a retail and leisure centre designed by Daniel Libeskind has found that the incident was caused by faulty construction.

The event — the second ceiling collapse at the centre in three years — occurred in the swimming pool area of the Westside centre in Bern, Switzerland, on April 12.

The pool was in use when 100sq m of the suspended gypsum-board ceiling and insulation fell 10m on to the floor, injuring two people.

Construction expert Empa carried out an investigation, and found that the suspended ceiling had not been attached properly on one side, causing it to fall.

A statement said that losses from the extended closure had run into millions. The owners of the building will now replace the remainder of the ceiling in the pool. No date has been set for
re-opening.

The £340 million centre was completed in autumn 2008 after a three-year construction period. As well as a swimming pool, sauna and spa it contains a cinema, shopping area, hotel and food court.

Shortly after the opening in 2008, the ceiling of a fast food outlet collapsed, injuring two children.

Topics