Trankstelle Rotkreuz, Switzerland / 2025
The Trankstelle (translates to “Watering Station”) is the adaptive reuse of a former Agrola petrol station located on what is now the car-free Chäsimatt public square. Instead of dismantling the existing structure, its covered outdoor area was preserved and reconfigured for public use.
Fold-down bar tables were integrated into the existing columns, allowing the space to function as an informal meeting point for apéros. When the tables are folded away, the structure can be reconfigured as a stage for community events such as the spring festival or Christmas market. Motorised drop-down trusses from the ceiling provide a flexible system for installing lighting and audiovisual equipment. Removable acoustic curtains were installed to mitigate noise impact on the adjacent hotel during events. The curtains can be flexibly positioned, allowing users to adjust the degree of openness or privacy according to the needs of each occasion.
The Trankstelle is one of several relics that were preserved on the site. Whether they evoke nostalgia, spark curiosity, or invite critique, they are intended to function as playful and accessible spaces that encourage conversation, bring people together, and contribute to a shared sense of identity and community.
Photography: Ariel Huber, AMA