Jugendherberge Bern

Today's Marzili neighbourhood developed in the 19th to mid-20th century. Its heterogeneous neighbourhood structure of small-scale individual buildings with perimeter blocks and terraced buildings gives the district its charming character. Bern Youth Hostel is located on Weihergasse, on the former course of the city stream that flows into the River Aare here. Completed in 1955/56, the ensemble by Peter Indermühle, together with the Octagon, forms the entrance to the neighbourhood. The two-storey room wing will be replaced by a free-standing building corresponding to the slender volume of the main wing. It will become part of the longitudinal buildings lined up along Weihergasse. Together with the main wing and the recessed dining room, a space is created that opens up towards the entrance to the neighbourhood and the River Aare.

The outdoor space, characterised by the impressive plane tree, is complemented by a plateau leading from the main entrance to the new building. The new building is raised off the ground in the depression, surrounded by a wetland area that depends on the water level of the Aare. Peter Indermühle's buildings have been adapted to the new requirements with great respect. The entrance area with bar has been lowered back to its former height and appropriate space has been created in the spirit of the original open hall. New access and sanitary facilities will be built into the intersection of the main and dining areas. The 20 rooms with a total of 90 beds will be reorganised on the existing structure.

Similar to the existing room wing, the new building will be organised as a four-storey single wing with open access at the head end. The 30 rooms with a total of 90 beds are staged in the form of a travelling suitcase alternately on the side facing the Aare and on the side facing the slope. The building, which is structurally reduced to a minimum and consists of prefabricated partition walls and façades, adopts the theme of the framed windows of the room wing as well as the structured façade of the dining room and the timber panelling of the houses along Weihergasse.