MONTE BRÈ Starry Night Experience

In the Canton of Ticino, tourism plays an important role and is well above the national average.

Specifically, the city of Lugano, the main urban centre in the Canton and in Italian-speaking Switzerland, is working on many fronts to offer efficient services for its citizens and for those who choose Lugano as a tourist destination.

Complex projects, which will change the urban environment and give the city a new face, are matched by numerous construction sites; on the other hand, there are still areas with a high potential for attraction for which no real development plan has yet been launched.

Monte Brè, for example, one of the landmarks of the city of Lugano, offers a wonderful panorama and is a perfect destination for those who want to take a break and immerse themselves in a unique atmosphere in contact with nature.

The funicular to reach the summit of the mountain has recently been in service for 115 years. With a steadily growing tourist attendance, it is the subject of continuous investment, with the aim of offering visitors a complete and sustainable experience.

Architecture and tourism are closely related activities. New buildings and contemporary works, in addition to their intrinsic cultural value, are also factors in attracting tourists and contribute to the redevelopment and recovery of entire metropolitan areas.

With the second edition of Play the Future, BeSpace is looking for design concepts to improve what Monte Brè has to offer, experiencing new ways of tourist attraction and helping to reposition and raise interest in one of Lugano’s greatest iconic landmarks.

In order to make Monte Brè even more attractive and propose feasible solutions, the following elements must be taken into account.

Nature: understanding the landscape and the biodiversity that lives in it, it is the first step in proposing architectural solutions able to protect its identity and characteristics.

Population: in recent years, especially since the pandemic, there has been a growing need for individuals to get back in touch with nature to improve their physical and mental well-being, as well as the desire for recreation and a break from routine that is intrinsic in each of us.

Light pollution: at a time when the artificial light of cities has obscured the view of the night sky, we must not forget the importance of rediscovering this beauty and preserving it. Darkness gives our eyes a rest, makes us see the world differently and it gives light back to stars and galaxies.

Feasibility elements: Starry Night Experience aims to provide the local population and future tourists with quality architectural solutions. The project should ensure the best possible harmony between architectural elements and landscape, using technologies and materials that are appropriate to the local context.