Graber & Steiger Architekten
Schappe youth and arts centre
best architects 21
public buildings
Place
Kriens, Switzerland
Studio
Photos
Dominique M. Wehrli
Description
The idea of the
Kriens community to use the «Schappe Süd» grounds as an arts and youth centre demonstrates commitment
to sustainable urban development in terms of content, urban planning and
architecture. Firstly, the community is making an important cultural statement
in a prominent location, enhancing the town since the site’s
content creates a central focal point. Secondly, the historically valuable
buildings are given a contemporary role and thereby raise awareness among
future generations of an important piece of the town’s
developmental history. The design widely exploits the existing potential while
aiming for a balanced synthesis between the existing structures and new
aspects. The charm of the current development, with its industrial buildings as
evidence of times past, was the starting point of the project. The courtyard
design, the roof landscape and the surrounding walls have been integrated into
the transformation of the site and developed further in a contemporary form.
Old and new elements have been condensed to form a spatially coherent,
identity-enhancing ensemble, whose autonomous expression gives it the energy
that will allow it to become an important meeting place.