Bauart Architekten und Planer
Brückenkopf Bern | Conversion of an office building into living space
best architects 23
renovation and addition
Place
Bern, Switzerland
Studio
Photos
Ruedi Walti
Description
Transforming an urban «non-place» into a liveable space with the help of a diverse mix of housing and other uses.
On the western side of the Monbijou Bridge in Bern, an office
building was converted into a diverse residential building. The project
corresponds to a stacked city within the city, connects two city levels and
different uses with each other, and breathes new life into the urban site. The
office building from the 1960s was facing a large-scale renovation in 2016.
Together with the client, it was decided not only to renovate the building but
also to put it to a new use. The location is optimally accessible via two city
levels and will become even more attractive in connection with the future
upgrading of the Gaswerkareal. Due to the location, which is very urban by
Bernese standards, a use concept entitled «urban living» was developed.
Fifty-three small flats (with 1.5, 2.5 or 3.5 rooms), lofts for one- and
two-person households, and flats for short-term residents were realised. In
addition to the flats, a small restaurant at bridge level and communal uses
such as a roof terrace, a laundrette and easily accessible bicycle rooms enrich
the diverse offerings. In the base of the building, leisure, sports and
shopping facilities are integrated that are directly connected to the new
residential areas.