From offices to flats

To respond to a reduction in office space needs in the foreseeable future, the conversion of administrative buildings into apartments is set to become increasingly important. In this context, Emmanuel Rey was interviewed by the newspaper “Le Temps” to talk about the architectural stakes of this type of project. In keeping with the drive to enhance existing structures, this approach not only develops a new type of loft apartment but also generates significant functional diversity through its related services, as well as enabling the new housing units to take advantage of the urban environment’s many amenities. The article highlights the example of the Brückenkopf complex, currently undergoing redevelopment in the centre of Bern, and fully illustrates the potential and complexity of this type of project.