The Atelier Bardill in Scharans, Switzerland, designed by Valerio Olgiati is a compelling architectural intervention that resonates with both the historical and the contemporary, embodying a dialogue between past and present.
Situated in the protected center of Scharans, Switzerland, the building replaces an old barn, adhering strictly to the volume of the original structure as required by local regulations. The project’s respectful nod to tradition is coupled with a bold reimagining of space, offering a new interpretation of what it means to work and create within a historical context.
Olgiati’s design subverts expectations by dedicating only a fraction of the volume to the atelier itself—a modest workspace for musician Linard Bardill. The rest of the space is transformed into an expansive courtyard, its grandeur accentuated by a massive elliptical opening to the sky. This bold architectural gesture monumentalizes the interior void, creating a profound contrast to the fragmented, organic geometry of the building’s exterior and the intimate scale of the surrounding village. The courtyard, with its serene, skyward gaze, acts as both a contemplative space and a powerful statement about the relationship between form, function, and environment.
The exterior of the Atelier Bardill stands in stark contrast to its interior openness, enveloped in a red concrete wall adorned with intricate ornaments. These embellishments lend a tactile quality to the otherwise austere façade, bridging the gap between the building’s modernist inclinations and the vernacular traditions of the region. The random geometry of the wall and the carved motifs evoke a sense of timelessness, suggesting an architectural narrative that is deeply rooted in the local context while simultaneously breaking free from conventional forms.
In Atelier Bardill, Valerio Olgiati has crafted a space that is at once deeply personal and universally resonant, where the austerity of modern architecture meets the rich, textured history of its surroundings.
