The power of light

Sitting in the offices of atelier oï in La Neuveville, you can see across Lake Biel, the Seeland and the 3-Lakes region to the Alps, which form an almost unreal horizon on a clear day. From these rooms, which once belonged to a motel, around 40 creative minds create design, architecture and art projects for clients from all over the world. And are now involved in an extraordinary project in the immediate region: the Attila Boutique Boatel.

"We were asked around a year ago whether we were interested in this project. Of course we are. It's a great idea, a very interesting, atypical project," says Aurel Aebi, co-founder of atelier oï. "Something new is being created from something that already exists. Something that doesn't exist yet. A hotel that cruises across the 3 lakes with its guests. We find these aspects very interesting". The fact that one of the three founders and owners of atelier oï originally trained as a boat builder and boat architect also plays into Attila's hands.

From the world back to the region

As we all know, the prophet counts for nothing in his own country. This has also been the experience of atelier oï. Although the architects, designers and artists were always good friends of Hayek Senior and accordingly responsible for countless Swatch Group projects, the really big successes and works usually happened far away from Seeland and Switzerland. You have realized projects in 42 countries, with enormous success. They are stars outside their home country. "Now it's time to give back some of our good fortune. It's exciting to work for the biggest brands in the world, but it's often an illusory world. And the older I get, the more I feel the urge to work here in the region. Attila is the best example. So many people put so much heart and soul into this project. It's simply fascinating."

They are now putting their heart and soul into brainstorming, planning and development. One of the sources of inspiration for their ideas was the view from their office. Nothing is a coincidence. "We can see across the lake from La Neuveville. Just like the guests of the Attila, who will experience unforgettable visual moments, from sunrise to sunset. The different horizons that arise, the light, the reflection on the water and the depth effect. We want to realize these themes on the boat. We work with all our senses. Also with regard to the materials. We have over 20,000 different material samples in the office. Only what fits into the Attila goes into the Attila".

And the older I get, the more I feel the urge to work here in the region. The Attila is the best example. So many people put so much heart and soul into this project. It is simply fascinating

Practical design

Sophisticated. This is the least that can be said about atelier oï's plans for the Attila. The focus is on the experience on the water. The guest should not be distracted by anything. On the contrary, the enjoyment is only enhanced by the well thought-out interior design. "As mentioned, we play with the light. The perception of the outside is reflected in the interior. Light horizons give the room different moods. So you can also see the water in the evening and at night, without reflections. Indirect, differentiated light is used throughout. So that you can feel the room and the moods on the lake are transferred into the room.

The fact that you want to see a room right away is not only due to atelier oï's lighting plans. The furnishings have also been thought through down to the smallest detail. The cabins are not large, but offer guests all the amenities they expect. "It's a nice, interesting challenge. The size of the cabins is limited, but the guest should want for nothing. So we developed ingenious solutions for the double and single beds, the storage areas and the seating areas with a view of the water. Every centimeter is used to offer guests an enjoyable time. The planning is by no means complete. Now the Captain's Lounge and the exterior of the boat are being designed. "There, too, we are adopting this philosophy of combining the elements with the surroundings, creating a unity. And at the same time applying the practical. So that guests can enjoy their balconies. Or so that a delicious breakfast as well as a refreshing aperitif or a business meeting can be held in the Captains Lounge. As already mentioned, it is a fascinating project.