Summary

The Swiss National Library in Bern will receive a new artwork as part of its comprehensive renovation. The Federal Art Commission has selected the project "Sedimente" by artist Shirana Shahbazi from Zurich. Seven artists were invited to the "Art in Architecture" competition to submit a concept for the heritage-protected book tower from 1931. The installation is scheduled to be realized starting in 2027 during the renovation. A public exhibition of all seven project proposals will take place from April 14 to May 1, 2026 at the National Library.

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Topics

  • Art in Architecture
  • Swiss National Library Bern
  • Heritage Preservation
  • Cultural Mediation
  • Architecture and Contemporary Art

Clarus Lead

The selection of "Sedimente" underscores a strategic reorientation of the National Library as an open forum for exchange and research. The restrained artistic intervention is to be created during the comprehensive renovation beginning in 2027 and will reposition the building as a "living memory of Switzerland." The jury particularly appreciated the sensitive integration into the architecture of the "New Building" movement and continuity with previous art in architecture works. The public exhibition of all competition entries makes the design process transparent and invites societal debate about archives and cultural identity.

Detailed Summary

The project "Sedimente" works with the sgraffito technique, a classical wall design method that creates abstract patterns by scratching multiple layers of plaster. The installation extends across two new shafts that run through all eight levels of the book tower and vertically connect the floors. Through this spatial arrangement, the concept of "sedimente"—the uncovering of layers of knowledge and time—is implemented both formally and symbolically. The color scheme and formal orientation are closely aligned with the existing architecture of the 1931 building, a significant representative of the "New Building" movement, to ensure harmonious integration.

The competition was launched in August 2025 by the Federal Office of Buildings and Logistics (BBL) together with the Federal Art Commission (EKK) and the Federal Office of Culture (BAK). The jury met on March 4 and 5, 2026 for evaluation and consisted of experts in art, architecture, heritage preservation, as well as representatives from the National Library and the federal government. The planned renovation and expansion beginning in 2027 aims to preserve the architectural qualities of the heritage-protected building while creating a forward-looking, multifunctional library.

Key Points

  • Artist Shirana Shahbazi wins "Art in Architecture" competition for the Swiss National Library Bern with the project "Sedimente"
  • The installation uses the sgraffito technique for abstract wall design in two vertical shafts running through the entire book tower
  • Artwork is scheduled to be realized starting in 2027 during the comprehensive renovation of the heritage-protected 1931 building
  • Jury praised the sensitive integration into the architecture and continuity with existing art in architecture works
  • Public exhibition of all seven competition entries from April 14 to May 1, 2026 at the library

Critical Questions

  1. Source Validity: What objective criteria did the jury apply to evaluate the seven projects, and how were weightings determined between artistic innovation, heritage preservation, and functionality?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: Are all jury members independent of the submitted artists and their institutional networks, or do connections exist that could have influenced the selection decision?

  3. Causality and Alternatives: To what extent was it examined whether the sgraffito technique actually conveys the concept of "sedimente" and knowledge mediation more effectively than alternative artistic techniques or interventions?

  4. Implementation Risks: What concrete measures are planned to protect the sgraffito installation during construction work beginning in 2027 and prevent damage?

  5. Public Participation: Will users and staff of the National Library be involved in the realization process to ensure that the installation meets the requirements for exchange and cultural mediation?

  6. Budget Clarity: What budget is allocated for the realization of "Sedimente," and how is cost-efficiency evaluated in comparison to the other competition entries?

Bibliography

Primary Source: Contemporary Art for the Swiss National Library in Bern – news.admin.ch, 14.04.2026

Supplementary Sources:

  1. Jury Report "Art in Architecture Competition Swiss National Library Bern" (PDF)
  2. Competition Program "Art in Architecture Swiss National Library Bern" (PDF)

Verification Status: ✓ 14.04.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 14.04.2026