Bauart's architectural approach revolves around two key issues: adressing today's built environment and focussing on tomorrow's new buildings. Through unconventional processes and procedures, we develop innovative solutions and engage dialogue with others. We initiate research projects and work proactively to design the future. For us, the key point is always the relevance to social, political and cultural issues.
We proudly shape our future in an innovative, unconventional and proactive way.
How do you build a laboratory building in nine months ?
Building Microcity - an outlying campus of the EPFL in Neuchâtel – within especially tight timelines has been made possible by the use of a hybrid construction system. While cores were being constructed on site, wood-concrete slab elements were being prefabricated in a workshop. This allowed reducing simultaneously the duration of the construction work, the local noise pollution and the amount of grey energy.
How do you encourage the pooling of experience on sustainable architecture in different climates ?
Bauart is involved in the Indo-Swiss Building Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP), which aims to disseminate best practices for the construction of low energy buildings and to reduce energy consumption in new buildings in India. Based on design charrette and interactive workshops, this project is part of a bilateral cooperation between the Ministry of Power, Government of India, and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation.
Can the construction of a residential neighborhood in a forest be considered a sustainable strategy ?
In order to fight against urban sprawl in periurban and rural areas, Bauart proposes the construction of a new section of town at the end of the Länggasse in Bern. The strip of forest bordering the city center thus could emerge as an urban residential neighborhood located in close proximity to the Bremgarten forest. Through its innovative and strategic features, the Waldstadt Bremer project was part of the model projects selected by the Federal Office for Spatial Development (ARE).
How can density be increased within built-up areas without consuming more land ?
Rational land-use and densification within built-up areas are two major themes for spatial development in Switzerland. Increasing density within built-up areas aims above all at constructing already zoned plots. The raising of buildings is also a good opportunity to promote densification of urban areas. The main challenge is to combine the rehabilitation of the roof surfaces with an increase in living space. Bauart deals with these questions within the frame of two research projects conducted amongst others at EPFL: "NEST" and "Living Shell".
Today, what does a wooden façade look like ?
The TransEurope project is part of the Ecoparc neighborhood in Neuchâtel. The building hosts students of the Haute Ecole Arc. When designing and constructing the façade, the sustainability of the materialization was favored. The façade consists of prefabricated wooden elements covered with rear-ventilated metal plates. Short construction period, limited amount of grey energy and high thermal performance are the main advantages of this construction method.
Can 8 world religions live under the same roof ?
The multifunctional center Europaplatz in Bern is the new center of gravity of the key development area of Ausserholligen. The House of Religions is the heart of the building. Eight world religions participate to this special project; five of them have their own prayer space. The dialogue between each religion’s similarities and peculiarities was the key concept of this innovative project.
What does a journalist do in an architect's office ?
“Bauart, beyond architecture”. As guest journalist at Bauart Architects, Walter Däpp produced a series of original contributions on fundamental, profound, mysterious, surprising, challenging or exemplary aspects of architecture. Following this experience, eight booklets were published on the themes of Synergy, City life, Space in motion, Quality, Housing, Values, Living together and Epilog – illustrated with artistic contributions by Beatrice Gysin, Sebastian Stumpf, Michel Sauer, Ruedi Walti, Chantal Michel, Vaclav Pozarek, David Aebi and Tonatiuh Ambrosetti.
How can four generations cohabit in the same neighborhood ?
A neighborhood hosting 400 inhabitants was created in Schwerzenbach. In addition to 188 housing units of various sizes, a social health-care institution, a home for the elderly and a kindergarten were built. The composition of built volumes and free spaces creates a subtle game between full and empty. It generates an atmosphere both attractive and residential, where several generations feel at ease. The generously dimensioned neighborhood square, which hosts a cafeteria, serves as meeting point and recreational space. The original colors of the buildings give the area its specific identity.
