Pilgrim Forum, Monastery Square Mariastein

Description

Mariastein did not remain frozen in its origin story. Across the centuries, the architecture evolved and new buildings were added, layer by layer, until the site became the second most important pilgrimage destination in Switzerland.
That long development created both an opportunity and a responsibility for the recent intervention on the monastery square. In a place shaped by devotion, memory, and protected heritage, even a contemporary forum had to be planned with unusual precision.

The open pilgrimage forum was designed as a calm, welcoming space for the monastery square, linking movement, gathering, and shelter without disturbing the historic character of the site. Landscape design, infrastructure, and architecture had to work together as one coherent system.
This is where the technical challenge becomes visible. Building in a heritage environment means every detail must respect both the existing fabric and the daily function of the place, while still offering a clear architectural statement.

The canopy uses Polyplan Candy 684 0UC in light blue, a material chosen for both performance and atmosphere. It was furthermore digitally printed with a parametric pattern, it thus becomes not only a functional component, but also a key element of the building’s architectural identity. Its translucent quality gives the forum a light, almost floating expression, while still providing the practical protection needed in an open setting.
That balance is exactly what makes membrane architecture compelling in sensitive contexts. It can add shelter and identity without overwhelming the historical surroundings, allowing the site to remain the true protagonist.

What makes the project interesting is not only the form, but the discipline behind it. The architectural design of the forum was created by Atelier Ehrenklau Hemmerling GmbH. Building on this design, Bieri Tenta AG developed the technical solution and successfully implemented this challenging project in collaboration with the participating partners. They know that in a heritage site the technical solution has to be as respectful as it is durable.
The result is a structure that supports pilgrimage, gathering, and orientation while staying visually restrained. It does not compete with the monastery’s centuries-old presence; instead, it completes the ensemble with a contemporary layer of precision.

Description of the environmental conditions