Wakker Prize 2012
-
Liebefeld Park, designed by the landscape architect Rita Mettler. Keystone -
The Weissenstein-Neumatt housing complex in Liebefeld. GWJ Architects Keystone -
A swing in the Weissenstein-Neumatt housing complex. Keystone -
A residential building in Gebhartstrasse. Architect: Peter Schürch Keystone -
The castle courtyard. Keystone -
An innovative mobility concept on Schwarzenburgstrasse: 17,000 vehicles a day, a 30km/h speed limit and pedestrians can cross where they want. Oberingenieurkreis II/Metron, 2005 Keystone -
Vidmar hall - the former Vidmar factory - houses 140 firms. The building was redesigned by Rykart Architects between 2001 and 2004. Keystone -
Inside the Vidmar hall. Keystone -
Köniz town hall. Morscher Architects und GWJ Architects Keystone -
Inside the town hall. Keystone -
A cabin for clocking the time on the Liebefeld athletics field, designed by Kiener Architects. Keystone -
The Niederscherli school building. Graber Pulver Architects Keystone -
Coloured towers link the station with the residential area and industrial zone. gemeinde Köniz -
The Ried W2 residential complex in Niederwangen. Keystone -
The hamlet of Herzwil. Keystone
Wakker architectural prize awarded to the Bernese suburb of Köniz.
The Wakker Prize is awarded annually by the Swiss Heritage Society to a municipality for the development and preservation of its architectural heritage.
This year, as in 2011, the focus is on the theme of built-up areas. Köniz, with 38,000 inhabitants Switzerland’s largest suburb, was highlighted for its long-term planning which was developed with input from the local population. The commune came up with original ways of coping with the challenges that come with mobility, overcrowding and maintaining natural spaces. Furthermore, the protected hamlets in Köniz show how traditional types of settlements can be preserved.
(Text: Swiss Heritage Society, Images: Keystone/Gaetan Bally, apart from 13: Commune of Köniz)
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here. Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.