LA RADE
YEAR | 2013
FORMAT | Competition
COLLABORATION | Christian Salewski |Simon Kretz | Christina Nater | Oscar Buson
Urbanization in Switzerland has historically unfolded in relation to large geographic features such as lakes, rivers, and mountains. These elements hold the potential to become the public space superstructures of the future.
In this competition proposal, we reimagined Lake Biel as a cohesive and accessible space for the surrounding settlements.
At the time, only 55% of the shoreline was publicly accessible. Our concept envisioned a connected lakeshore that balanced public access with diverse uses.
The new neighborhood at the heart of the proposal grew naturally from its surroundings, with building heights and densities reflecting the historical and structural context.
The neighborhood integrated diverse housing types, ranging from family apartments to co-living spaces, all connected by intimate pedestrian paths and shared gardens. This approach fostered a vibrant, car-free community.
We envisioned LA RADE as a process of sustainable transformation. Temporary uses, such as markets and artistic projects, were proposed to activate the site and encourage the community to rediscover the lakeshore.
With its accessible public spaces, sustainable design, and respect for local heritage, our vision established a unique identity for Biel’s lakeshore and offered a guiding principle for how urbanization in Switzerland could be pursued in the future.
