The FFHS (Swiss Distance University of Applied Sciences) situated in Zurich’s Gleisarena required a physical point of contact for potential students, enrolled students and lecturers, to also serve as a back office for student advisory services. Now, in place of a former retail space of just 116 square metres, there is a multi-purpose reception area whose design was inspired by the university’s motto: Bildung heißt Begleitung, or “educating means guiding”. Polarity is the core element of this design: two areas with different functions on two levels. The areas – one of them public, the other private – are separated not only physically but also by colour and light. At the heart of our lighting concept was the contrast between light and dark to structure the space. The reception area, being the main point of contact, radiates light and openness and extends a warm welcome to visitors. The upper level features a darker and more reserved style to visually distinguish it from the area that the public has access to. Courage is in the credo of the FFHS. The university wants to explore new avenues in teaching, research and services. And this is a good thing, because it has allowed a place full of contrasts to emerge. A place where, through linearity, reduction and simplicity, we have succeeded in evoking the desired associations: foresight, clarity and informality.