Nature and Artifice - following the urban tiers of development

The architect team Multipack follows Neuchâtel’s town-planning pattern in several respects. The dry land section of the Arteplage lies parallel to the slope on several levels. The square shaped Forum over the water is craftily linked to the lightly curved shoreline by an extended footbridge. The disciplined platform geometry sees itself as a reference to the artificial lakeshore tradition. The rhythmically moving element at the shore helps to visualize the thematic span between Nature and Artifice. 

The typical reed beds in the shore area of Lake Neuchâtel are echoed by the brightly-lit undulating fiberglass rods. The evening wind, known in Neuchâtel as the Joran blows down regularly from the Jura highlands. It sets the artificial reed beds around the platform in motion, swaying in wave like movement and providing an exciting contrast with the massive, static form of the Galets. There is an urban feeling at the Arteplage because the exhibitions, open concert stages, sales stands and service buildings, are on parallel tiers, and they harmonize with the old town in Neuchâtel. The people of Neuchâtel have very quickly integrated their Arteplage, the new outskirts, into town life.

Concept, architecture and design
Team Multipack consisting of:
Atelier Jacques Sbriglio (Jacques Sbriglio), Aix-en-Provence, France www.sbriglio-architectes.fr
GMS Architectes SA (Jean-Guy Müller, Claude Schoderet, Cédric Vassalotti), Neuchâtel www,gmsarchitectes.ch
Atelier Oï SA (Aurel Aebi, Armand Louis, Patrick Reymond), La Neuveville www.atelier-oi.ch

_{Photos: © Atelier Oï; © Yves André}