Berne, Switzerland
Prof. Arthur Ovaska + Marilí Santos Munné
ARCH 4102, Traveling Studio
Spring 2012
This project is a proposal for two large-scale urban housing blocks for students at the University of Berne.
The project mediates the stepped section that currently divides the site, and weaves a pedestrian promenade that links the campus of the University of Berne with its adjacent waterfront. In addition, the placement of these urban blocks results in an open plaza that integrates the program of the adjacent Reithalle, a major cultural venue and gathering space for Swiss counterculture. The housing block thus doubles as a large-scale backdrop for events taking place in the plaza, which become displayed to visitors entering the city by rail.
Divided into single, duplex, and double duplex units, the dormitory halls provide for flexible housing arrangements for single, married, and short-term exchange students. Small winter gardens flank the interstitial space between these units, and provide opportunities for communal gatherings in every cluster of dormitories.
