Lack of greenery, noise pollution, lack of living space. Such statements are now part of the daily agenda in the public debate. There is a desperate search for possible solutions. With the following study, the Basel architectural office GRUNER&FRIENDS would also like to point out possible solutions and thus make a contribution to a Basel that continues to be livable and forward- looking. For this purpose, a dialogue was also sought with the political community, which supports the visions presented.
Project Name: Basel Vision
Studio Name: GRUNER&FRIENDS
In a free study, the team of GRUNER&FRIENDS could freely present suggestions for improvement of Basel. After a selection, the following three visions in different dimensions (S / M / L) emerged. These show improvement measures at concrete places, but should also be understood as a guideline for measures at other places in the city.
How can the increasing heat island effect, the increased noise pollution and the acute lack of living space be mastered? These visions are intended to provide answers:
All three visions focus on the greening of the urban zones around the SBB site at the main train station, the Johanniterbrücke and Freie Strasse:
The vision of sun sails aims to reduce the heat island effect in the busy streets of Basel’s city center and to provide more shaded areas for the population. The city of Basel has already taken up the topic of sun sails and GRUNER&FRIENDS is also examining and pursuing it as an effective means of cooling the city center.
In summer, this can activate the pedestrian zones more, increase business activities and improve the general well-being through shaded strolling streets.In addition, the awnings provide new areas for select planting, which in turn attracts pollinators to the city and increases biodiversity. Other positive effects of the sails are an enhancement of the city’s appearance and attenuation of construction noise for residents in the city center. The solar sails are therefore particularly suitable for use in densely populated areas along Freie Strasse. Another technical advantage of the sails is that they do not require complex installation because they can be anchored to facades or existing mounting hooks.
Fortunately, this has already been recognized by politicians and the government. A motion on the subject of solar sails was referred to the government by the Grand Council.
The vision for the Johanniterbrücke, which is close to the center, sees the architects taking the previous measures of greening the Dreirosenbrücke with flower pots to a larger dimension and envisaging a large- scale greening of the entire Johanniterbrücke. The concept is also conceivable on the Dreirosenbrücke. By covering the bridge with a new green level, more recreational space and green area will be offered to the population of Basel. As a link between Kleinbasel and Grossbasel, the greened bridge offers a local recreation area in the immediate vicinity of the busy banks of the Rhine – including a view.
The method of superstructure brings the advantage that the existing bridge structure can continue to be used, which both minimizes construction time and costs and offers a more sustainable solution. Traffic will continue to pass under the Garden Bridge during the construction phase and completion. A pleasant climate is provided by the steady breeze in the Rhine zone, which offers a welcome breeze on the Garden Bridge even during the warm months. The proposed new planting would also increase biodiversity and help cool the city.
The vision of a green city portal underlies the concept of green high-rise buildings with a park in the immediate vicinity of Basel’s main train station, which are being developed further alongside the Nauentor project by the Post Office and SBB. The redesign of this perimeter envisions three green residential towers constructed sustainably from prefabricated wood components, both shortening the construction process and providing the population with new living space more quickly. In addition to sufficient greening of the residential towers, the facades will be equipped with solar panels. The roofing of the railroad tracks will create a new parking area for the exchange and interaction of the population. Likewise, the green space can minimize noise and CO2 emissions while increasing biodiversity.
For the track roof, materials from the current post office building will be reused in the best re-use manner, which will be generated in the upcoming deconstruction. The new city park above the train tracks will also provide added value as a connecting element between the Gundeldingen and downtown districts.
Architects
GRUNER&FRIENDS are among the most innovative young architectural firms in Basel and see themselves as visionary designers of the future. Basel-born architect Patrice Gruner and his friends have been running their international office for six years, based in Bäumleingasse, in the venerable Erasmus House, opposite Ernst Beyeler’s first gallery. They combine the architectural tradition of their city with the latest design methods, think far beyond architecture and plan the world of tomorrow.
In Basel, the office voluntarily designed the Lago 105 Bar in the Hauptpost-Passage on Freie Strasse for the StadtKonzeptBasel association. In addition to culinary delights, the bar impressed the public with its refined design and art installation, and provided Basel’s residents with a cool refuge during the hot summer of 2022.
The office also designs and renovates residential buildings in Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft, realized the headquarters of the global consulting firm KPMG in Zurich, and built Switzerland’s largest data center near Zurich Airport. They also won the study contract for the 5-star hotel resort “Borgo Miranda” above Ascona and developed the vision for the Reichhold Campus.
The office sees sustainability as a key factor in all current and future projects. Therefore, the architects always strive to reuse materials, create green spaces and integrate resource-saving elements in every project. Greenery enhances the quality of life, cools the air and provides shade, which is essential in light of global warming. essential importance.