A collective calling itself "Allianza Ambulanza" has taken over part of the former Tiefenau Hospital site. The group aims to create a vibrant, non-commercial community space. This action comes after what they describe as a lack of progress by city authorities in finding suitable interim uses for the largely vacant buildings.
The occupation began on a recent Saturday, transforming the administrative wing of the former hospital. Children were seen playing football and jumping on a trampoline in the garden. A banner on the building's facade declared, "Inspected, Occupied, Enlivened."
Key Takeaways
- Allianza Ambulanza collective occupies Tiefenau Hospital site.
- The group seeks non-commercial community uses.
- Initial dialogues with city officials have been respectful.
- Discussions continue regarding rent and safety regulations.
A Hub of Activity Emerges
Inside the occupied building, a lively atmosphere reminiscent of a holiday camp has taken root. Children from a nearby asylum seeker collective accommodation are frequent visitors. They run through the halls, enjoy the buffet, and help set up music equipment.
Ernesto, a member of Allianza Ambulanza, shared his observations. He noted the joy on the faces of many children who attended a disco held on the first evening. Ernesto, who preferred not to use his real name, stressed he was speaking only for himself and not the entire collective.
"When you open a space like this, things just happen – there's a certain magic to it," Ernesto stated.
He guided visitors through various newly activated spaces. The cellar's long vaulted area, which once housed a hospital director's wine collection, now serves as a dance floor. Art installations and a general buzz fill the air.
Quick Facts
- The occupation started on a recent Saturday.
- Many children from a nearby asylum seeker shelter are involved.
- The collective aims for non-commercial, diverse uses.
Creative Spaces and Community Support
One floor up, a kitchen, a flea market, a painting studio, and a screen-printing workshop have been established. The screen-printing workshop, located in a former bathroom, cleverly uses the built-in hairdryer to dry freshly printed textiles. The scent of paint now fills the room.
Further up, many rooms remain empty, sparking the collective's imagination. An old wooden ladder leads to the attic, where a unique atmosphere prevails. Besetzer*innen envision this space becoming a cinema, a meditation room, or a library.
This dynamic, Ernesto believes, is what the city cannot offer. The Allianza Ambulanza collective aims to fill gaps where city efforts have fallen short. The city has tried to find interim uses over the past two years, but little has materialized beyond the asylum seeker accommodation in the main building.
Background on Tiefenau
The former Tiefenau Hospital site has been largely vacant. The city has been working to find new uses for the complex. A large asylum seeker collective accommodation opened in October 2024, becoming Switzerland's largest such facility. This accommodation has a ten-year lease.
Dialogue with City Officials
Ernesto expressed his belief that the city's rental expectations for interim uses exclude non-commercial projects. He stated that the collective chose to occupy a building where they believe the city has no concrete plans.
Immobilien Stadt Bern (ISB), the city's real estate department, confirmed that significant work has been ongoing behind the scenes. This includes building surveys, neighborhood workshops, negotiations with potential tenants, and organizing facility management. ISB emphasized that these processes require considerable time.
The Allianza Ambulanza collective acknowledges some city efforts. However, they see their occupation as a way to provide services for refugees, especially given the asylum seeker accommodation's proximity. Ernesto highlighted their role in addressing needs where resources in the asylum system are lacking. This could include offering counseling services within the occupied building.
Ongoing Negotiations and Future Plans
The collective proactively sought contact with city officials to secure a longer-term arrangement. A delegation from ISB visited the site on Friday morning. ISB confirmed these discussions took place. Ernesto described the initial meeting as respectful.
Both parties agreed to further talks on Monday afternoon. Following these discussions, the collective announced on Instagram that they would continue dialogue with the city. A professional from the open youth work association (toj) moderated the exchange.
According to the collective, the conversation was positive, with the city signaling a willingness to enable some proposed uses. No ultimatum was issued. However, key sticking points remain regarding rent and responsibilities such as fire safety.
The city suggested the collective temporarily vacate the building for necessary preparations. In this scenario, the property would be ready for occupancy by summer, and the collective could rent the space at a specified rate. The collective maintains its criticism of high rental prices. Both sides are committed to finding solutions in further meetings.
The next discussion is scheduled for the coming Monday. Until then, the Allianza Ambulanza occupation will likely continue at the former Tiefenau Hospital site, offering a space for art, dance, screen-printing, and a welcoming environment for children.
- Community Initiatives: The site hosts various non-commercial activities.
- Refugee Support: Proximity to an asylum seeker shelter allows for direct support.
- City Dialogue: Ongoing discussions aim for a collaborative solution.