Seidenweg 8a
3012 Bern
Atelierumbau Seidenweg
Dramatic lighting
Planning and execution
Built around 1900 as a rear-courtyard house, originally a printing works, later a joinery; converted into a
studio building in 2013–2014 by Althaus Architekten +
Architects
Client
Althaus Architects +
Civil engineers
Richard Krauss, Gümligen
Other
Lighting design: Lichtbau GmbH, Bern
Awards
Winners of the best architects 2016 / Winners of the Iconic Awards 2015
Description
Carved into the otherwise unremarkable structure of the old joinery workshop, the new studio spaces are defined by their dynamic play of light.
Following a calming arrival on the rather dimly lit lower ground floor of this courtyard building, the space opens up towards the light on various sides. The specific design of the various openings creates the desired quality of light for the different uses. Protected from direct sunlight, balanced lighting takes centre stage for the workspaces, whilst in the circulation area, the light—which changes dramatically throughout the day—conveys a sense of the outdoor space. Here, the building becomes a sensitive sundial and, despite its extensions on all sides, makes even small changes in the weather an event within. Without disrupting the calm overall atmosphere, the juxtaposition of old, left-unfinished building components and new, precisely detailed elements tells the story of this building’s origins.
The construction remains legible down to the last detail, thus enabling the observer to gain an implicit understanding of its surroundings; the various building trades and their working processes remain visible.
Visits and guided tours
Type of tour: Guided group tours; no individual tours
Booking: Required
Group size: Maximum 15 people
Meeting point: In front of the entrance to the courtyard building
Guided Tours
Saturday, 13:30-14:00 - Nicolaj Bechtel, Architekt, Althaus Architekten +
Saturday, 14:30-15:00 - Nicolaj Bechtel, Architekt, Althaus Architekten +
Saturday, 15:30-16:00 - Nicolaj Bechtel, Architekt, Althaus Architekten +
Saturday, 16:30-17:00 - Nicolaj Bechtel, Architekt, Althaus Architekten +
Sunday, 13:30-14:00 - Nicolaj Bechtel, Architekt, Althaus Architekten +
Sunday, 14:30-15:00 - Nicolaj Bechtel, Architekt, Althaus Architekten +
Sunday, 15:30-16:00 - Nicolaj Bechtel, Architekt, Althaus Architekten +
Sunday, 16:30-17:00 - Nicolaj Bechtel, Architekt, Althaus Architekten +
Directions
Bus no. 20 to "Mittelstrasse"
Location
Seidenweg 8a
3012 Bern