Researchers develop scenarios for Biel hospital site
Researchers at the Bern University of Applied Sciences have developed proposals for the transformation of the soon-to-be-vacated hospital site in the Beaumont district of Biel. With these proposals, they aim to demonstrate the architectural, urban planning, and socio-cultural opportunities that could arise from this transformation.
A new study by the Institute for Settlement, Architecture and Construction at Bern University of Applied Sciences provides initial impetus and possibilities for the further development and valorisation of the vacant hospital site in Biel’s Beaumont district. With the planned relocation of the Biel hospital centre to Brügg, one of the central development focal points for the coming years will be created there.
According to a press release, the aim was to create a solid knowledge base on which architecturally sound and sustainable decisions can be made. A participatory approach allowed the needs and expectations of the population and relevant interest groups to be taken into account. Their opinions, demands and visions were collected through workshops, surveys and discussion rounds.
As the study shows, there is the possibility that the site could become a place with a variety of uses that enriches the neighbourhood and becomes accessible and attractive for the entire urban population: “A variety of building types, for example, could enable a broad spectrum of uses, forms of housing and living spaces,” the press release states. “However, as the students’ work shows, the possibilities for valorisation and development of the site are almost limitless.”
This independent research work by Bern University of Applied Sciences will now be made available to the city of Biel as the planning authority and Spitalzentrum Biel AG as the landowner for further work. In the next step, both will commission a feasibility study.