Bernhard Aebi on the creative process

Seven years to effortless
An idea out of the blue in 2018, seven years of development work, two diaries full of sketches and numerous prototypes: the result is the three-part Abbey chair range. The range comprises a chair, an armchair and a three-legged bar stool, all of which follow the same principles, yet are very different. The development of the Abbey range was a labour of patience, critical dialogue and craftsmanship – with the goal of creating an iconic chair. Countless sketches, handmade prototypes and an ongoing process of reflection in collaboration with Horgenglarus accompanied the exclusively analogue process. No digital models were created – every shape was crafted in direct dialogue with the material. 

Bernhard Aebi: ‘The chair should evolve from the manner in which it is used – gradually, functionally and precisely.’

The starting point was to create a chair that was comfortable to sit on, something that tied in with the classic design of the Vienna chair while rethinking it entirely. Its timelessness is the result of a process that consciously avoids design trends in favour of focusing on the essentials: good seating, constructive clarity and expression derived from use. In other words, Abbey does not follow a design idea, but is the result of its function. The outcome is a minimalist, finely proportioned chair that has been carefully designed from every angle and attracts attention for its delicate lightness and sculptural appearance. It reveals its sophistication through its details – in an entirely natural, unassuming manner.

Bernhard Aebi: ‘Chairs are always shown from the front or the side, but we tend to observe them from behind, tucked under a table. That was an important guiding principle in the design process.’ 

The combination of round and angular cross-sections, asymmetrical angles and finely crafted transitions creates an exciting silhouette – even if Abbey seems to have a graphic, straightforward appearance at first glance. No edge finishes the same way as it begins. Lines twist, turn or dissolve into soft curves, creating a three-dimensional calligraphy that – in its apparent effortlessness – betrays years of practice, an eye for the essentials and the rich depth of craftsmanship.

What started with ‘no idea’ at all became Bernhard Aebi’s first series development with Horgenglarus, taking place over seven years. Abbey was the destination of a journey of creation. But, of course, the history between the two started long before that.

bernhard aebi, architecture as a lifeline
Born in 1963 in Langnau (Bern), Bernhard Aebi followed his apprenticeship as a structural draughtsman with a degree in architecture at Burgdorf School of Engineering. From 1989 to 1996, he worked at the renowned Atelier 5 in Bern, where he deepened his precise, context-oriented approach to architecture. In 1996, he joined forces with Pascal Vincent to found  Aebi & Vincent Architekten SIA AG with offices in Bern and Geneva; the company now employs around 100 people. The firm focuses on competitions and follows a process-oriented approach: each project is carefully analysed, designed and refined through interdisciplinary planning, always with a view to the location, the urban setting and the user – while prioritising sustainable quality at all times. 

The most significant projects completed by the firm include the conversion and extension of Berghaus Niesen Kulm (1998–2000), the conversion and renovation of the Bern Parliament Building (2003–2009) and the city’s Elfenau nursing home (2010–2019), the conversion of the Swiss National Bank in Bern (2012–2026), the conversion and new construction of Bern Youth Hostel (2013–2016), the general renovation of the south wing of Zurich Main Station (2009–2023), the renovation of the performing arts theatre Stadttheater Langenthal (2012–2017) and the development of the master plan for the district of Naters, Valais (2019–2023) – all characterised by a careful combination of old and new, material authenticity and urban awareness. 
Today, Aebi takes on projects encompassing urban areas, public buildings and residential complexes, and offers both interior and product design. Every project has a strong connection to ‘city, place and people’ and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through a focus on quality down to the last detail. 

Bernhard Aebi has a long, shared history with Horgenglarus. This began in 2003 with the renovation and conversion of the Parliament Building in Bern. Bernhard Aebi worked with Horgenglarus in 2005 to develop a barrel chair with cross-shaped base and upholstered seat shell for the Valloton café & bar in the Parliament Building; however, it was ultimately not put into series production. Bernhard Aebi opted to entrust Horgenglarus with the careful restoration of the seating in the Parliament Building, given that Horgenglarus had originally supplied the permanent grandstand seating in both chambers in 1902. Horgenglarus has been restoring all the seating in stages since 2008 under a part-transformation, part-rebuild approach.

The maintenance of the existing building led to a creative partnership between Bernhard Aebi and Horgenglarus. The Abbey chair range is their first series production project and a further step in a shared history marked by quality, respect and clarity.