ABSTRACT
Bern is an important medieval town in Switzerland because its form was derived primarily from the function of a market system. As such, its resemblance to a market hall, even to Quincy Market in Boston with rows of vendors, is no accident. Established in 1190, the city is set along the ridge of an elongated meander – a nearly 180-degree turn – in the River Aare. This had the effect of making a linear town with a natural moat on three sides while the fourth side was the only side needing fortification. The plan is similar to Craig’s New Town in Edinburgh in that the main axis was placed along a ridge while two parallel streets stepped down to either side. Unlike the two outer parallel streets in Edinburgh, Bern’s secondary streets are enclosed on both sides (Braunfels 1988: 74-75).
