003 Redesign of the Marktplatz

The medieval valley city with its rich spatial structure existed until the 19th century. Today, however, the Birsig River can no longer be seen; streets and squares have a monotonous appearance due to urban expansion. The project proposal brings the course
of the river back into visibility through the addition of several fountains.

The Basel market square with its red town hall is cut up with a whole network of tram tracks, car lanes and market booths to such an extent that its spatial effect has been lost.

Herzog & de Meuron proposed a special lighting concept: important buildings around the market square are lit at night, the fountain and an information booth are utilized as large lamps. The customary street lamps, however, are not part of the concept.

A large fountain complex at the edge of the market square is closed off towards the back by an information wall from which the water pours into a flat basin. The fountain basin is located above the Birsig canal. Through a cascade, the water forms a connection with the subterranean river.

In 1982, a first redesign of the competition design reduced the operations on the square, but kept the concept of having the flow of the river resurface through the design of the square. Aside from the fountain, a small indentation at the curve of the Birsig tunnel
serves this purpose, with a descent leading to restrooms and a show window revealing the canal. The car lanes are integrated into a continuous cobblestone surface of the Market Square. The colored photo assembly provides an impression of the redesigned square.

During the continuing redesign in 1985, Herzog & de Meuron did away with the fountain according to the demands of the jury. The cobblestone surface with its three 19th century rosettes becomes the center of attention. Herzog & de Meuron suggested a lancetshaped indentation placed into the middle rosette and covered with a grid. A double-walled resonance volume leads from it down to the Birsig canal and, like an ear, makes the gushing of the river audible.

During the continuing redesign in 1985, Herzog & de Meuron did away with the fountain according to the demands of the jury. The cobblestone surface with its three 19th century rosettes becomes the center of attention. Herzog & de Meuron suggested a lancetshaped indentation placed into the middle rosette and covered with a grid. A double-walled resonance volume leads from it down to the Birsig canal and, like an ear, makes the gushing of the river audible.