Graber & Steiger Architekten

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.