International architecture practice Grimshaw, in partnership with Archipel Generalplanung AG and landscape architects LAND, has won the competition to design the masterplan University of Bern Muesmatt campus in Switzerland. Grimshaw’s winning design ranked first amount 26 other participants in the anonymous competition. Grimshaw’s masterplan was praised by the jury for its visual and physical connection with the campus’ urban context of Bern?s Unesco heritage old town.
Courtesy of Grimshaw Architects
Grimshaw Redefines the Campus as a Public Place
As part of a larger scheme to redevelop the university’s campus, the masterplan introduces new facilities to support the university and enhance the public spaces. These new facilities will also create an environment that works in dynamicity and harmony with the existing heritage buildings which date from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century and include buildings by the Swiss architect Otto Rudolf Salvisberg. Courtesy of Grimshaw Architects
The backbone of Grimshaw’s masterplan is landscaped green axis; Gertrud-Woker-Strasse, the existing street that is redefined as a pedestrian avenue?the pedestrian route enhances the walkability’s rate of the campus and strengthens the inner connections, especially with the six-stories natural sciences building, another defining feature designed by the firm.
Moreover, a new neighborhood central square is established in front of the Art Nouveau Pauluski...