History & Architecture
History of the Old Hospital from its foundation in 1350 to the newly designed rooms in 2024
History of the old hospital
approx. 1350
Approximately the year in which the hospital was founded, resulting from a merger of two institutions. The decisive factor was the need due to the rampant plague.
1375
The Gugler marched through the country scorching and burning and also reduced the Solothurn hospital to ashes.
1420
There were long disputes between the church and the community until an agreement was reached regarding the hospital. As the hospital not only accommodated the sick, but also the poor, orphans, travelling craftsmen, pilgrims and beggars, it offered not only material, but also moral and religious support. Accordingly, a church was built next to the hospital.
15th/16th cent.
Dilapidation and a lack of space forced an extension to be built on the west side of the church. From then on, the building was divided into a lower and an upper hospital. A separate institution was set up for the orphans in the lower hospital.
1726-29
A fire destroyed the church and large parts of the hospital. The Aare wall, which had been damaged by the fire, was renovated and rebuilt. As a result, the new nurses' house, the new church and the new hospital were built. The church and the Spi-tal were brought under a new roof, which caused the master builders of the time some headaches.
1765
The council discussed enlarging the hospital. A construction programme was drawn up and architect Antonio Pisoni, one of the master builders of St. Ursus Church, was commissioned with the planning.
1780
Due to problems and delays in the construction of St Urs' Church, the building plans for the expansion of the hospital were postponed.
1784-88
After further clarification and planning, the first construction phase of Pisoni's third project was realised. By demolishing neighbouring houses, space was created for a new, large wing that connected to the existing section.
1793
A fire broke out in the orphanage, destroying it, the workhouse and the lower hospital. Due to this fire and a renewed lack of space, the council was forced to acquire further properties and extend the hospital to the west, as proposed by Pisoni.
1794-1800
The large west wing was added as part of the second construction phase. The Bürgerspital was given its present appearance. As a result, it was spared from fires. From then on, innovations and extensions were limited to the interior of the building.
1930
The construction of the new Bürgerspital hospital rendered the ‘Old Hospital’ obsolete, whereupon it was repurposed. In the meantime, it was even threatened with demolition.
1975
Inspired by a petition from the Solothurn municipal council, a special commission was commissioned to develop a sensible utilisation concept for the old hospital.
1984
The west wing was opened as the first part of the Altes Spital meeting centre and the garden restaurant on the River Aare was opened to the public.
1991
Opening of the entire east wing and start of full operation in the area of active leisure activities.
1996
The Old Hospital is privatised and has since been run by the association of the same name. The operation is subsidised by the city of Solothurn as part of a performance mandate and supported by contributions from the regional municipalities.
Building history
1735
The building is rebuilt at the same time as the current hospital church. It serves as a staff house for the hospital employees and is unfinished on the first floor. Grain is stored here for the time being. The original plans, which have not survived, were drawn up by the French architect Joseph Abeille, who was asked to come to Solothurn as a consultant.
1765
the council discussed the expansion of the hospital. A building programme was drawn up and architect Gaetano Matteo Pisoni, one of the master builders of St. Ursenkirche, was commissioned with the planning. The plans are still kept in the archives of the Solothurn civic community.
1883
The old laundry room extension is replaced by a new two-storey building with a flat roof. It is used to house a coal-fired steam laundry. Minor modifications to the living quarters and the extension of the 2nd floor are further measures from the late 19th century.
1987
Conversion and renovation, combined with the installation of a new heating system, demolition without replacement of the west-facing extension from 1883, new floors on the first floor, installation of bathrooms in the rooms. These now serve as accommodation for medical students.
2003
Demand for the rooms, which are only equipped with the most basic comforts, is decreasing. Hotel an der Aare AG takes over the building from the Bürgerspital Foundation under building rights.
2005
The hotel on the River Aare opens with 16 rooms.
2008
Renewal of the heating in the entire building with biogas
2009
The noise from the nearby drawbridge is a recurring theme among guests, and the installation of new soundproof windows has already reduced the noise considerably.
2012
Various smaller and larger investments as well as an expansion of services with the aim of achieving 3* Superior classification.
2013
the Hotel an der Aare receives the 3* Superior classification and is the only superior hotel in Solothurn at this time.
2014
the Hotel an der Aare receives the gold status qualification of the ibex fairstay label for sustainability.
2023
the Hotel an der Aare receives the gold status qualification of the ibex fairstay label for sustainability.
2024
After almost 20 years, the design of the rooms is being completely overhauled. Interior designer Francesca Alder is in charge of the project
The architects
Various people have shaped the Hotel an der Aare since 2005.
Kurt Stalder Architects AG
Concept:
The former sisters' house from the 18th century was
converted into a hotel with 16 guest rooms
with modern design elements.
The rooms exude a great deal of ambience, and almost all have a view of the River Aare, the old town of Solothurn and the Jura mountain range.
The glass bathrooms were specially designed for the new hotel, whereby the connections to the ceilings and walls had to be flexibly adapted to the conditions.
The hotel in the prestigious building has a strong aura. Parquet floors, old stucco ceilings on the first floor and high rooms on the two upper floors provide the basis for a 3-star hotel
:
Kurt Stalder Architekten AG attaches great importance to respecting the common good. They train and perfect interdisciplinarity and cost-effective construction. They are committed to ensuring that the architecture of the future offers optimal conditions for the development of humanity and ecology for as many income groups as possible.
BAALD team of architects
Concept:
The new rooms have a sleek and harmonious design language, simple and calm. The concept is based on the historic foundation walls, linked to the history of the former hospital.
Architects:
The BAALD team of architects from Thunersee stands for design concepts that read rooms and their stories and bring them to life. The story of the Hotel an der Aare inspired and inspired the interior designer, Francesca Alder. The interplay of colors, materials and furniture are the result of her research and understanding of the old premises, without losing sight of the needs and pulse of the present day
