A Swiss National Library for inspiration and innovation

The project for the restructuring and for the total rehabilitation of the Swiss National Library.

A team of general designers, directed by the architectural firm Christ & Gantenbein di Basel, won the competition for the total renovation and redevelopment of the NL, which was founded in 1894 and is based in Bern at 15 Hallwylstrasse.

The Swiss National Library collects Helvetica, i.e. texts, images and sound documents relating to Switzerland, thus preserving the collective memory of the country.

Organizationally, the Swiss National Library is part of the Federal Office of Culture (FOC).

The competition was launched through a parallel study mandate from the Federal Office of Construction and Logistics.

The selected project particularly convinces with regard to the management of the existing building substance.

Reproduced (and restored) in 3D the Bull that made Santo Antonio

Thirty-two candidates and one winner for the management of existing building substance

2022 general design teams participated in the parallel study mandate, carried out in spring 32.

Six of the various candidates were chosen by the evaluation committee, which was made up of representatives of the Confederation, the canton and the city of Bern, the district association and external specialists and experts.

As part of the competition, they were asked to provide concrete project proposals describing how the teams intended to ensure the refurbishment and extension of the core of the existing building complex.

In this regard, particular attention was paid to the enhancement of its high cultural-architectural quality.

Furthermore, the participants had to consider several new aspects regarding the utilization plan, given the need to express also on an architectural level the vision of a future-oriented library that enhances social cohesion and offers spaces for inspiration and innovation.

Therefore, even the architectural design related to the total rehabilitation will revolve around these aspects.

After a careful consideration phase, the evaluation committee unanimously approved the “NATBIB” project by the architectural firm of Christ & Gantenbein.

Unexpected snow in Bern in an innovative exhibition

In the “NATBIB” concept, the accessibility of the historic book tower to the public was appreciated

The authors of the project convincingly demonstrate how they intend to preserve the high quality of the existing building ensemble, while at the same time creating the necessary conditions to offer a modern and attractive library service in the future as well.

The latter goal is achieved, for example, by making the historic book tower accessible to the public.

The projects presented will be exhibited from 18 to 29 January 2023 at the Kornhausforum in Bern.

The gallery at Kornhausplatz 18 is open Tuesday to Friday from 12.00 to 17.00, every Thursday from 12.00 to 20.00 and every weekend from 11.00 to 16.00.

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