Bern, Switzerland
Converting an urban “non-place” into a liveable space with the help of a diverse mix of housing and uses, Bauart Architekten und Planer revitalizes a former office building and transforms it into a residential complex that houses storage areas, dance studios, a bowling center, a supermarket and a public underground car park in the lower area.
The project has been awarded a 2023 International Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture, Design, and Urban Studies.
Corresponding to a stacked city within the city, the Brückenkopf Bern connects two city levels and different uses with each other, and helps the urban site to find new life.
Together with the client, it was decided not only to renovate the building but also to put it to 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 Gaswerk area.
Brückenkopf is to be further established as a brand in the future.
Due to the very urban location by Bernese standards, a utilization concept entitled “urban living” was developed.
The complex consists of fifty-three small flats (1.5-room, 2.5-room, and 3.5-room), lofts for one- and two-person households, and flats for short-term residents.
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 offer.
At the base of the building, there are also other uses in the areas of leisure, sports, and shopping, which are directly connected to the new residential building.
Project: Brückenkopf Bern | Conversion of Office Building Into Housing
Architects: Bauart Architekten und Planer AG
Design Team: Raffael Graf, Stefan Graf, Peter C. Jakob, Emmanuel Rey, and Yorick Ringeisen
Client: Brückenkopf Bern AG
Photographers: Ruedi Walti
