The Bernoullihäuser in Zürich serve as a physical testament to a housing philosophy that prioritized affordability for workers. Completed between 1914 and 1929, these garden city projects were designed to be sold without profit, marking a distinct intersection between urban planning and social welfare during the early twentieth century.
Early Development and Training
Born in 1876 in Basel, Hans Benno Bernoulli descended from a family recognized for their mathematical contributions. He sought formal training in his chosen field at the Technical University of Munich. Following his education, he established a professional partnership in Berlin starting in 1902. His career trajectory moved toward public service and urban infrastructure, eventually leading to his 1912 appointment as the chief architect for the Basler building industry.
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Bernoulli gained prominence through his focus on residential estates and large-scale developments. Key examples include the 1919 project in Grenchen and the residential area known as Im langen Loh in Basel, both constructed in the early 1920s. Collaborating with Wilhelm Eduard Brodtbeck, he oversaw the development of the Wasserhaus estate in the Neue Welt sub-district of Münchenstein between 1920 and 1923. He further contributed to the Basel landscape with the Hirzbrunnenareal, developed from 1924 to 1934. His expertise in the relationship between urban development and land usage was later solidified in his publication, Die Stadt und Ihr Boden, released by Birkhäuser Verlag.
Political Engagement and Post-War Work
Beyond his architectural practice, Bernoulli held positions as a university teacher and politician. He served as a member of the Swiss National Council from 1947 to 1951. His career shifted toward reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of the Second World War, where he focused on the rebuilding of destroyed city infrastructures. He maintained his professional activities until his death in 1959 at the age of 83 in Basel.
Fast facts
- Born: 1876, Basel
- Died: 1959, Basel
- Education: Technical University of Munich
- Political Office: Member of the Swiss National Council (1947-1951)
- Citizenship: Switzerland and Germany
- Religion: Reformed
Questions readers ask
What characterizes the Bernoullihäuser?
These garden city projects were intended to be sold to workers at no profit.
Did Bernoulli work outside of architecture?
Yes, he was active as an urban planner, university teacher, and member of the Swiss National Council.
Achievements
- Trained at Technical University of Munich
