Location: Bern, CH
Architects: Masswerk Architekten AG & Halter Casagrande Partner AG
Project Scale: 12.850 m2
Services: Interior Architecture | FF&E Design
Completion: 2022, two-phase Design Competition
In the prestigious context of the Bern Museum Quarter, SOP Architecture joined the general planner team led by Masswerk Architekten AG & Halter Casagrande Partner AG as specialist in interior architecture during a two-phase design competition.
Within this cultural hub, we envision the transformation of the Swiss National Library through mindful interventions within the existing space, preserving architectural heritage while highlighting its national and international significance. Our goal is to create an inclusive, versatile space that welcomes all.
The interior design concept aligns with this vision, enhancing transparency and openness through the use of glass elements and wooden lamellae. The flexible arrangement of loose furniture within the existing structure allows spaces like the forum and the multifunctional hall to be effortlessly repurposed for various functions
Overall Concept
Preserving Architectural Legacy
The renovation and extension cconcept is driven by a commitment to preserving the architectural legacy of this iconic ‘New Building’ monument from 1931 in Bern. Tasked with aligning the library with the ‘Library of the Future’ concept, we addressed key challenges, including substantial underground expansion to enhance its usability, adding space to cater to a wider audience and future demands.
The Book Tower
A Keeper of Collective Memory
Originally built to optimally storage a narrow grid of bookshelves, the Book Tower’s unique architectural challenge lies in its dense floor levels. Our renovation approach embraces this challenge, cultivating the tower’s sculptural qualities.
By strategically placing openings and breakthroughs, we created light wells that make spatial expansion palpable and compensate for the low room heights, while preserving the essence of the structure. The multi-story ceiling openings connect all levels within the open library area, seamlessly integrating various work and lounge areas and creating an enlightened space for exploration and reflection.
The Multifunctional Hall
The public Forum on the ground floor of the National Library is directly connected to the multifunctional hall on level -2 via a spiral staircase and an elevator system. The multifunctional hall includes a multi-divisible multifunctional space for up to 350 people, an area for exhibiting original documents, and spaces for innovative activities.
Some of these activities, such as co-working and youth programs, are part of the Forum’s public offerings on the ground floor. The large multifunctional space is available for both internal and external events. The connection to the Communication Museum and the Natural History Museum Bern, adjacent to the future Museum Garden, allows future accessibility from both the National Library and the Museum Quarter. The hall, which can be flexibly divided with mobile walls, accommodates various activities, including rotating exhibitions, events, conferences, or exhibition storage space. This zone and the new underground connection promote communication and identification of the National Library as part of the new vision of the Museum Quartier.
The Forum
The Forum serves as the heart of the new National Library. This welcoming and easily accessible space occupies a single level on the ground floor. As part of the meeting zone, it beckons people of all ages to linger. The Forum offers a bistro and a variety of seating and work options. The Reading and Restaurant Gardens, as well as the newly designed central “Education Courtyard,” create outdoor areas in direct connection with the Forum.
The characteristic side alcoves of the former reading room have been thoughtfully preserved. Partial openings between the support structures help connect the entrance zone, which spans the entire front, with the overhanging central area covered by a high ceiling and the book section in a crosswise manner. In the longitudinal direction, the central area unfolds as a generously preserved series of spaces between the Western Reading Garden and the Eastern Restaurant Garden.
The Forum entrance area houses the information desk, the library shop, book return lockers, new releases, magazines, and newspapers. Additionally, it features seating stands, a day bistro, event spaces, and various co-working and lounge areas for visitors. These elements furnish the space and significantly contribute to an inviting, versatile atmosphere.
The ground floors of the side wings are also designated as part of the meeting zone. In the East Wing, you’ll find the restaurant area with an adjacent garden area, while the West Wing houses meeting rooms with access to outdoor spaces.
