Converting an urban "non-place" into a liveable space with the help of a diverse mix of housing and uses.
On the western side of the Monbijou Bridge in Bern (Switzerland), an office building has been 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 helps the urban site to find new life.
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 Gaswerk area. Brückenkopf is to be further established as a brand in the future. Due to the very urban location by Bernese standards, a utilisation concept entitled "urban living" was developed. Fifty-three small flats (1.5-room, 2.5-room and 3.5-room), lofts for one- and twoperson 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 offer. In 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.
