School of Design

Founded in 1971, the School of Design Bern and Biel (SfG BB) educates around 3500 students, trainees and course participants at its two locations, offering programmes in creative, artistic, technical and craft disciplines and continuing education. With the main building in Bern undergoing extensive renovation, the school has now relocated for a period of ten years to Bernapark, a repurposed industrial site. The SfG is embracing the move as a chance to rethink the school and redefine its educational vision.

Vitra joined the project early on to help bring the conceptual ideas behind the teaching and learning spaces into the work areas and guide the transition. The aim was to create new flexibility in instruction and extend this to the workspaces of the teaching staff. The project sought to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and establish more touchpoints between students, trainees, educators and staff. Adequate storage space was also a priority in order to showcase work and knowledge.

During their close collaboration on potential solutions, Vitra and SfG BB discovered a shared commitment to sustainability, which led to Vitra taking on additional planning and implementation tasks. A furnishing concept was soon envisaged that would consist of a mix of SfG BB's own used furnishings, externally sourced second-hand items, newly purchased products and rented pieces. In addition, the interior scheme was to honour the historical character of the former cardboard factory, which called for a carefully curated approach.

The result is a functional and inspiring learning environment that fulfills all of the project's goals. Users of the SfG BB facility are now looking forward to spending at least the next ten years in Bernapark.