High-quality and identity-creating development
The project vision for the development /
reuse of the former Comadur site is to develop an urban, mixed-use, identity-creating neighbourhood component with high-quality buildings and open spaces in the short to medium term. Accordingly, the city of Thun and the client (Pension Fund of the Swiss Bar Association (PKSAV)) carried out a multi-stage planning process. The aim was to sound out the potential of the site in a study of design variants, to secure the urban planning qualities as part of a project competition in accordance with SIA Ordinance 142 and to define these under planning law in a zone with planning obligation (ZPP).
The winning project “Capybara“
The winning project “Capybara” forms the basis for the development of the Comadur site at Bernstrasse 11. It sets new accents in a heterogeneous environment with innovative urban planning and architectural measures. The three characterful buildings – the “Stadthaus”, the “Gartenhaus” and the “Anbau” – merge creatively with the existing structure of the neighbourhood. They form a coherent ensemble that impresses with its density, diversity and clear identities. A central element of the design is the connecting inner courtyard. It not only creates a seamless integration of the new buildings, but also promotes dialogue with the surrounding neighbourhood. The skilful combination of materials, colours and textures creates an interplay between the history of Comadur and the contemporary elements of the project.
Sustainable design
The project is of a very high quality in various aspects. In addition to the visible and appealing design, sustainability considerations and the consideration of grey energy as well as a conscious and careful use of materials play an important role. The project offers a balanced mix of aesthetics, sustainability and integration into the existing neighbourhood.
Diverse and lively “neighbourhood piece“
The focus of the site development is on the realisation of contemporary forms of housing. Around 60 new flats are planned. The residential units are diverse and specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of potential residents. This residential use will be supplemented by additional uses that are adapted to the location and orientated towards the public. In this way, a lively and identity-creating neighbourhood component is being created.
Conclusion
The site development at Bernstrasse 11 presents itself as a visionary project that honours the past and at the same time provides forward-looking impetus. The winning project “Capybara” shows how history and the present can be combined in a densely populated area, always focussing on quality and care.
Tag: Freiräume
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A new chapter is being opened on the former Comadur site
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Participatory planning as the basis for sustainable development
The key area for urban development, the Thun railway station district, is at an important turning point. The vision of a dynamic mobility hub and a lively urban neighbourhood is making progress with the findings now available from the participatory charrette process. Mayor Raphael Lanz emphasises the importance of the open-ended and participatory process, which creates a solid basis for future planning steps.
The charrette process, in which visions and viable solutions were developed by three interdisciplinary teams, demonstrates the importance of involving various interest groups in the planning process. The broad participation enabled a comprehensive dialogue and the development of shared visions for the Thun railway station district.
One of the key findings is the need to make spatial and operational optimisations in order to create a future-oriented mobility hub that is suitable for the disabled. This also includes relieving Seestrasse and the Maulbeer roundabout of motorised individual traffic and incorporating the south side of the station for a new bus solution. In order to develop the area in a timely and sustainable manner, major upfront investments and interdependencies should be avoided as far as possible.
In addition, the development should take into account the existing identities and structures and build on optimised access and open spaces. The promotion of a location-appropriate and balanced mixed-use urban neighbourhood with a high degree of flexibility and the strengthening of public spaces are further key objectives. For example, Bahnhofplatz, the Schifflände and the riverside promenade are to be upgraded and further developed as important public spaces. Improved pedestrian and cycle connections, including new links such as a “panoramic bridge” crossing the Aare and a railway overpass, are also under discussion. Seestrasse is to become an attractive backbone for the neighbouring development area. This extends between the railway tracks and shipping canal as well as the River Aare. Over the next few years, the entire neighbourhood is to develop into a well-located, well-balanced area with a variety of focal points and space for innovative residential and working uses.
In parallel with the further planning, the city is tackling initial measures to make the area more attractive. One example of this is the temporary greening of Aarefeldplatz with “climate trees”, which has already been completed and not only helped to improve the quality of life over the summer months, but also emphasised the importance of green spaces in urban areas. With this “LeiStbild” and the final report from the charrette process, the city of Thun has a clear idea of how the area should be developed in the coming years. The synthesis of these findings is currently being incorporated into a masterplan and is expected to be finalised by the end of 2023. The masterplan will serve as a further guideline for the implementation of the project. Thanks to these coordinated efforts, the city of Thun is well on the way to realising its vision of a liveable and mobility-friendly urban district at Thun railway station.