The Japanese architect Shigeru Ban is one of the most talented of his generation, recipient of the Pritzker Prize, the most prestigious award in modern architeture. Known for his work on paper, cardboard and wood, he created a new HQ for Swatch. The uniquely shaped building, locally referred to as “the snake” or “the dragon”, made of local wood and running state-of-the-art sustainable cooling and heating methods, is an inspiring tribute to the past and present creativity of the brand. Located alongside the Cité du Temps, into which it extends, it can be admired while visiting the Swatch and Omega museums. If the weather is nice, a riverside walk along it on the Suze Island is highly recommended.