Who is responsible for maintaining the quality of the place?

The Parliament building was built between 1894 and 1902 as the last element of a three-part ensemble. Many of the materials used were of Swiss origin. In the summer of 2006, the listed building underwent its first major renovation and extensive restoration. The 44-metre-long parliamentary lobby, with its many ceiling paintings, was also refreshed.

Does the place serve its purpose?

The lobby, which embraces the National Council chamber on its southern side, fulfils multiple functions. When the National Council is in session, it serves as a meeting place, workspace and venue for exchange for the Council members and for lobbyists with access rights granted by the Council members. Here, the politicians, lobbyists and journalists have the opportunity to engage in informal discussions. The lobby is also used for state receptions of the Federal Council.

Does the place foster sustainable mobility?

The Federal Palace is located in the heart of the city of Bern. It can be reached from the main railway station in a few minutes on foot, by tram or by bus. Traffic patterns around the Federal Palace are regulated to facilitate the movement of cyclists and pedestrians. In addition, the Marzili funicular has connected the Bundesterrasse with the lower-lying Marzili district since 1885.

Will the place remain attractive in the long term for living, working, leisure and/or tourism?

The lobby is a central site of political life. Various events bring together prominent figures from the worlds of politics, business and society. Members of the public are able to visit this room and other parts of the Parliament building on a guided tour. Access for lobbyists, however, is restricted.

Does the place foster community?

Interaction between Council members and with lobbyists fosters cooperation, but also creates an uneven distribution of advocacy opportunities. During the 2006–2008 renovation, a concept for barrier-free accessibility in and around the building was implemented. Since then, structural measures have been introduced on an ongoing basis in order to reduce barriers for Council members and visitors with physical disabilities. The office areas in the National Council chamber as well as the President’s and Vice President’s desks are now fully accessible.

Are the built heritage and regional specificities preserved and harnessed?

With its furnishings, plants and richly decorated surfaces, the parliamentary lobby that embraces the National Council chamber in a sweeping arc, is reminiscent of a theatre foyer. In addition, along one long side, several doors open onto the National Council chamber, like the entrance to the auditorium of a theatre. Particularly striking are the ceiling paintings by the Ticino artist Antonio Barzaghi-Cattaneo. Six allegorical paintings running down the middle of the ceiling depict the main virtues of the Swiss Confederation. They are surrounded by other paintings illustrating trade and industry in Switzerland at the beginning of the 20th century.

Is the place notable for its distinctiveness?

The Federal Palace in Bern is one of the most emblematic buildings in Switzerland. The rich artistic features and ornamentation on the façades and in the interior represent the country’s history and cultural diversity. The central portion of the Federal Palace, the Parliament building, is particularly impressive with its cruciform plan and high dome. The interior is dominated by the domed hall, the Council of States chamber, the National Council chamber and the parliamentary lobby.

Does the design of the place take the surroundings into account?

Situated on the southern façade of the Parliament building, the lobby’s windows offer an unobstructed view across the Bundesterrasse to the river Aare flowing below. The Parliament building’s position on this topographical edge has special resonance in the lobby.