New Bern Festival Hall – A space between city and stage
How does architecture influence a place that is both an exhibition centre and a public space? And how can large-scale design be combined with inviting openness? These questions were central to the development of the New Bern Festival Hall, which was designed jointly by the firms IAAG Architekten and mrh architektur.
The project responds sensitively to the expansive and diverse surroundings of Guisanplatz. The New Bern Festival Hall leaves a lasting mark on the site by clearly defining the street space and reorganising access to the exhibition grounds. Public and exhibition-related spaces are distinctly separated and clearly structured.
Spacious outdoor areas create fluid transitions: the exhibition square opens onto the Hintere Allmend, whilst extensive pedestrian and cycle routes structure the site. A square with 42 trees forms a tranquil green oasis, whilst the tree-lined character along Papiermühlestrasse is preserved.
Architecturally, the Neue Festhalle unites three main volumes: the multifunctional hall and the event hall as independent structures, connected by the light-filled Laubenhalle with its foyer. This bridge between public space and the large building anchors the Festhalle within the urban context as a new, open space for Bern.
Open House Partner
Visits and guided tours
Type of tour: Guided group tours; no individual tours Booking: Not required (first come, first served) Group size: Maximum 25 people Meeting point: Information Desk, foyer entrance area
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