394 Schaulager Satellite

The Schaulager Satellite is an abstraction of the original Schaulager forecourt. The recognizable form is duplicated to address the multiple pedestrian entries located on either side of Basel’s Messeplatz. The specific location of the temporary pavilion is a response to the challenges posed by an active construction site adjacent to the plaza. It’s location is an attempt to improve the quality of a public space compromised by heavy traffic and limited accessibility. Situated next to Hall 2 of the Messe Convention Center, the Schaulager Satellite will be offset from Art Basel’s silver banner and sit on a public stage constructed to cover an existing fountain. The platform provides a venue for Take-Away, Schaulager bookstore, Welcome House and two commissioned art pieces. These programmatic elements are contained within four “boxes” while the rest of the platform remains open to the public for free circulation between Messeplatz and the entry to Hall 2. In addition to containing program elements, three of the boxes provide structural support to the floating mass above. Entered via a grand stair, the pavilion contains a 8 meter high faceted room who’s contents are displayed within thick walls and on video monitors located in the three pointed corners. A large opening to both below and above provides natural light, air circulation and a connection to the public space below.