Poll
“TOURIST CENTER” – THE OLD TRAM DEPOT CONVERTED INTO A BEER HALL WITH ITS ONE BREWERY
 | CONVRSION OF FORMER INDUSTRIAL SITES |
| “TOURIST CENTER” – THE OLD TRAM DEPOT CONVERTED INTO A BEER HALL WITH ITS ONE BREWERY | |
| Location | Switzerland Bern |
| Ownership | Municipal |
| Finance | Municipal budget plans |
| Projects readiness | Finished project |
| Project authors | Dr. Dieter Schnell, associate professor in reconstruction and preservation of monuments of culture at the School of Architecture, Civil and Wood Engin |
| Internet links | www.altestramdepot.ch; dieter.schnell@bfh.ch; |
The old tram depot has a long history. Until 1890, the building was the tram depot of the Drucklufttram Bear Pit - Zytglogge tramline, built by the company of Gaston Anselmi. After closing the tramline in 1901, the tram depot became a car garage and later served as a warehouse for the props of the Bern Opera. In the last years before its reconstruction, the building was used for parties and cultural events.
In 1994, a discussion started between the representatives of the civil society and the Tourist Office of the Municipality of Bern on the development of a New Concept for the use of the Old Tram Depot. All parties united around the decision that the building and the area should continue functioning as a place for culinary and cultural meetings - a multi-functional center for communication and recreation of the citizens of Bern and the foreign guests of the city.
On November 21 1996, the Municipal Council adopted unanimously the new concept for the use of the old tram depot, presented by Lucius Taylor, an adviser of the Green Party. A referendum was held on June 8, 1997 and 71 % of the Bern voters voted for the implementation of the project. In the early 1998, the reconstruction began. It lasted until November 14, 1998.
1890 Tram depot for the Drucklufttram Bear Pit – Zytglogge tramline.
1901- 60 Car garage.
60’s- 80’s Warehouse for the props of the Bern Opera.
80’s- 90’s The building was used for parties and cultural events.
1994 Public discussion on the new function of the building.
1996 The Municipal Council adopted the new concept for the use of the building.
1997 Referendum was held, 71% of the citizens of Bern voted „YES”.
1998 The reconstruction was carried.
1999 The Tourist Center of Bern was opened here.
- To preserve part of the historic heritage and the memory of the city,
- To allow this valuable building, which has lost its previous functions, acquire new functions and render public services in line with the contemporary needs,
- To realize a profitable activity, which satisfies the interest of the residents and the guests of Bern and which contributes to the social life of the city.
The original facade of this elegant building reminds of an exhibition or festival hall in the Swiss architectural style "fin de siècle”. After some reconstruction works in 1904, the building lost part of its original charm. Its present appearance reflects its appearance after 1904. The roof was repaired in 1993. The square acquired its present form in relation to planning, as shown by the situation in 1889. The ideas for conservation are implemented successfully.
- The old structure is preserved and its components are carefully rehabilitated.
- The general impression of the hall’s space is wasted by the large and intrusive structures of the beer tanks and the bar around them.
- Emphasis is placed on the reconstruction of the external spaces - the magnificent view to the Matte District and the south side of Junkerngasse is very attractive for the local residents and foreign tourists.