Abbey 11-920

Bernhard Aebi Born in 1963 in Langnau (Bern), Bernhard Aebi followed his apprenticeship as a structural draughtsman with a degree in architecture at Burgdorf School of Engineering. From 1989 to 1996, he worked at the renowned Atelier 5 in Bern, where he deepened his precise, context-oriented approach to architecture. In 1996, he joined forces with Pascal Vincent to found Aebi & Vincent Architekten SIA AG with offices in Bern and Geneva; the company now employs around 100 people. The firm focuses on competitions and follows a process-oriented approach: each project is carefully analysed, designed and refined through interdisciplinary planning, always with a view to the location, the urban setting and the user – while prioritising sustainable quality at all times. The most significant projects completed by the firm include the conversion and extension of Berghaus Niesen Kulm (1998–2000), the conversion and renovation of the Bern Parliament Building (2003–2009) and the city’s Elfenau nursing home (2010–2019), the conversion of the Swiss National Bank in Bern (2012–2026), the conversion and new construction of Bern Youth Hostel (2013–2016), the general renovation of the south wing of Zurich Main Station (2009–2023), the renovation of the performing arts theatre Stadttheater Langenthal (2012–2017) and the development of the master plan for the district of Naters, Valais (2019–2023) – all characterised by a careful combination of old and new, material authenticity and urban awareness. Today, Aebi takes on projects encompassing urban areas, public buildings and residential complexes, and offers both interior and product design. Every project has a strong connection to ‘city, place and people’ and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through a focus on quality down to the last detail.