Oberer Quai 12
2503 Biel
Biel: Farelhaus
Where style and culture have a history
Planning and execution
1957–1959: Construction of the Farelhaus (Max Schlup)
2015–2017: Renovation (0815 Architekten/Farelhaus AG)
Architects
Client
1957: United Parish
2015: Farelhaus AG
Other
Cantonal heritage conservation
Awards
ATU Prize, Bernese Baukultur Award 2018,
Distinction Romande d'Architecture 2018, Commendation
Description
An architectural icon of the 1960s, renovated to exemplary standards.
The Biel-based architect Max Schlup built the Farel Parish Hall for the Reformed Parish of Biel between 1957 and 1959 (design 1951). Characteristic features of the building include its curtain wall façade – the first of its kind in the canton of Bern – the innovative choice of materials and the interesting spatial organisation centred around an inner courtyard. The aim was to preserve the fragile building fabric without carrying out a renovation that would compromise its energy efficiency, whilst restoring the architecture to its original state. The result is a renovation that brings to life the architectural language of an era that is unrivalled. Schlup’s early work is now regarded as one of the most important testimonies to post-war modernism and is listed in the heritage inventory as a K-object worthy of protection, the highest level of protection in the canton of Bern.
The building is an integral part of Biel’s cultural scene, but also serves as a meeting place in the café. It is an example of how a multi-purpose building could point the way to the future.
Visits and guided tours
Type of tour: Group tours
Registration: required
Group size: Maximum 15
Age restriction: Railings and parapet heights are not maintained; young children must be under close supervision.
Meeting point: In the entrance hall
Tour A: Architectural tour, tour of the building including the flat and roof terrace
Tour B: Short talk on the history and renovation
Guided Tours
Saturday, 14:00-14:45 - Guided tour A, Ivo Thalmann, Karen Widmer, Reto Mosimann, Stefan Buchhofer
Saturday, 15:00-15:45 - Guided tour B, Ivo Thalmann, Reto Mosimann, Stefan Buchhofer
Saturday, 16:00-16:45 - Guided tour A, Ivo Thalmann, Karen Widmer, Reto Mosimann, Stefan Buchhofer
Saturday, 17:00-17:45 - Guided tour A, Ivo Thalmann, Karen Widmer, Reto Mosimann, Stefan Buchhofer
Sunday, 14:00-14:45 - Guided tour A, Ivo Thalmann, Karen Widmer, Reto Mosimann, Stefan Buchhofer
Sunday, 15:00-15:45 - Guided tour B, Ivo Thalmann, Reto Mosimann, Stefan Buchhofer
Sunday, 16:00-16:45 - Guided tour A, Ivo Thalmann, Karen Widmer, Reto Mosimann, Stefan Buchhofer
Sunday, 17:00-17:45 - Guided tour A, Ivo Thalmann, Karen Widmer, Reto Mosimann, Stefan Buchhofer
Directions
A 10-minute walk from the
station, or take bus 72, 73, 74 or 75 to "Zentralplatz"
Location
Oberer Quai 12
2503 Biel