Kramgasse, Bern

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bern’s old town is home to Kramgasse, which served as the centre of city life until the 19th century.

In the lower old town, a new replacement building was constructed on fragments of the previous structures, creating a front house in Kramgasse 72 as well as three rear buildings in Rathausgasse. The layout of the ensemble is modelled on historical old-town houses and a former Baroque city palace, grouped around an inner courtyard.

Its lighting concept emphasises the quiet, intimate atmosphere of the yard. With great attention to the historical context and current technical requirements, the lighting design creates an atmospheric ambience in the arcades, accentuates the entrances to the flats, integrates tiny lamps into the handrails and brightens up the entrance areas.

The nuanced concept enhances the clarity of the historically-inspired architecture: It provides safe guidance along the footpaths, emphasises the entrances and presents the ensemble of replacement buildings in a harmonious light.