Brückenkopf Bern
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.
