Les Arts Gstaad: The project is ready for building input.

The representatives of Les Arts Gstaad announced in a media release that all necessary arrangements have been made in order to make decisions regarding the project. Artists, museum specialists and politicians praise Les Arts Gstaad as a unique opportunity. “If we do not seize the opportunity, others will,” says National Council Erich von Siebenthal. Les Arts Gstaad has now defined a utilization plan for concerts, exhibitions and other public events. The center is to be privately financed and to be built next to the train station in Gstaad. The foundation board informed that Architect Rudy Ricciotti and his team has moved on with the project by end of 2012, so the building application is now ready to be submitted. Lawyers and engineers finished the building ordinance no. 79 “Les Arts/Ried,” the authorities published it for participation, and it was also informed on several events.”

Sale agreements and construction costs

The project’s planned location, which belongs to the municipality and the MOB, has been secured by two agreements of sale, which have been registered in the name of Les Arts Gstaad. Furthermore, conditions for the parking area and the bus station will be linked to public transportation where clarified. “In order to avoid any risk regarding increased construction costs, negotiations are still running,” says the board. The project’s estimated costs are SFr 100 million.

Analyzing participatory process

The details for the allotment including the tunnel, Schützen roundabout, bus station, parking area and MOB’s rail track improvement, are part of the building project, therefore can be evaluated by the population. Associations and legal representatives made use of the participation right. “The authorities are currently analyzing the most positive and constructive suggestions of incoming statements and will present the results in a report,” says the board. With this, the population will most probably be able to vote about the project in the last third of 2013.

Supported by artists, museum specialists and politicians

In the latest newsletter, artists, museum specialists and politicians rated Les Arts Gstaad as a unique opportunity for the region. In an interview, curator of Kunsthaus Zurich, Bice Curiger grades the project as a respectfully tailored and glamorous solution. Les Arts Gstaad would also consider a co-operation with the Art museum in Zurich, in order to exhibit some of its collection in Gstaad. According to Curiger, the location of the center would be perfect: “It is situated next to the station – an ideal, unobtrusive place. The center is not showing off – its design is modern, but maintains the tradition of the buildings in the region.” Also Heinz Spoerli, former director of ballet and choreography of the Zurich Opera House, sees Les Arts Gstaad as a “great stage for ballet and dance.” Lovers of good performances would travel from afar to enjoy a good ballet. “This would be a great opportunity for Gstaad,” he says.

National Council Erich von Siebenthal also supports Les Arts Gstaad. The Saanen population always believed in progress and realized visionary projects. “If we do not seize the opportunity, others will,” he says. The project will not secure the future of Gstaad and Saanenland; this needs an overall solution and a cooperation of all concerned areas. “But Les Arts Gstaad is a step in the right direction – especially considering the growth of the national and international development in the last decades.” According to von Siebenthal, the location at the station is the right one, as it would increase the frequency of public transport. The dimension and aesthetic of such a building always divides opinions. “More important is that an objective discussion can take place,” he says. “If the foundation board can present a credible financial plan, the population will give this ambitious project a chance.”

A brilliant decision

According to architect Rudy Ricciotti, it is important to embed the center in the landscape. It should be implemented in a way that it does not disturb the alpine surrounding. Urban forms would not be suitable for Gstaad. The foundation board has found the ideal location, together with the municipality. It would not be possible to build apartments there, as it is too noisy. “Building a visionary culture and meeting center next to the train station, is a contribution for a sustainable development,” says Ricciotti.

www.lesartsgstaad.ch

TRANSLATED AND ADAPTED FROM THE PRESS RELEASE & ARTICLE BY ANITA MOSER AVS 21.12.2012

Financing

Until the end of summer 2013, the following amounts have to be raised:

• SFr 100 million for the construction of the cultural center

(concert hall incl. side rooms, exhibition rooms, foyer, lobby,

etc).

• SFr 50 million for the operating fund to cover the operational

costs over the years.

• SFr 35 million for a financial strengthening of the Menuhin

Festival

Board members