“Jardin Métropole – Bären Tour de l'Ours” is a nine-story residential tower located in the Biel neighbourhood of Mett. With its distinctive form, composed of three differently sized cubes placed in varying orientations atop a circular ground floor, the building serves as a significant landmark while also paying homage to Biel's Volkshaus from 1932 with its well-known "Rotonde." Together with the adjacent public green space, the prominently situated tall building at Bärenplatz contributes significantly to the enhancement of the neighbourhood. The freestanding structure marks the beginning of a park in the old Mett village centre and relates in geometry and orientation to the surrounding buildings. Central to the design, which is inspired by the theme of the city garden, is the interior access to various outdoor spaces. Both private loggias with individual greenery and garden terraces shared by all residents serve as high-quality spatial offerings. The expressive ceramic façade, which is visible from afar, is distinguished by horizontal window bands and integrated photovoltaic elements, supplies a large portion of the apartments and service areas with energy.
Program
Mixed-use highrise with housing, offices and commercial space (top to bottom)
Location
Biel/Bienne, Switzerland
Planning
2017 – 2021
Construction
2021 – 2023
Competition
1st prize, 2016
Team
HERLACH HARTMANN FROMMENWILER
with Jean-Baptiste Hardy, Teuta Bajrami, Maria Esteban, Laura Sattin, Eun A. Song, Nadja Uzelac, Monika Wozniak
GFA
3,253 m2
Building volume
20,470 m3
Client
Vitali's Generation AG
Photos
OMAMBO
Emanuel Stotzer
