Page 105 - AIT0621_E-Paper

Entwurf • Design Herzog & de Meuron, CH-Basel
„... einfache Zimmer mit Bett, Schrank und
Waschbecken, wie sie noch oft in den historischen
Hotels in der Schweiz vorzufinden sind.“
Herzog & de Meuron
Grundriss Junior Suite • Floor plan Junior Suite Grundriss Doppelzimmer „Corner“ • Floor plan double room “Corner” versity of possible uses gradually diminished. Since 2011, efforts have
Grundriss Volkshaus Basel • Floor plan Volkshaus Basel
Bauherr • Client Volkshaus Basel, CH-Basel
Standort • Location Rebgasse 12-14, CH-Basel
Nutzfläche • Floor space 1.800 m 2
Fotos • Photos Robert Rieger
Mehr Infos auf Seite • More info on page 134
VOLKSHAUS HOTEL
IN BASEL
For ten years, the Volkshaus Basel was converted and
deconstructed. Piece by piece. Now the building from
1925 is once again recognisable as a unified structure
despite its different areas of use. The construction pro-
ject was successfully completed with — the opening of
the integrated boutique hotel. It has been welcoming
guests in the popular Kleinbasel district since March.
F rom the end of the 19 century, so-called Volkshäuser (people’s
th
houses) emerged in many European cities: institutions that saw
themselves as centres of the workers’ movement and wanted to pro-
vide the necessary space for political, social and cultural activities.
Volkshäuser were also built in numerous Swiss cities, for example in
Zurich, Bern and Bellinzona. The Volkshaus Basel was opened in 1925.
However, its roots go back much further. The origin was a brewery
and inn dating from 1845, which was later extended with a beer hall
and concert hall. In 1919, the city of Basel announced a competition
for a new building that would integrate the concert hall and also in-
clude meeting rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a shop, offices, service flats
and accommodation for the staff. Architect Henri Baur was awarded
the contract. In the 1970s — unfortunately typical for that time —insen-
sitive conversion measures were commissioned. Furthermore, the di-
been made to shake off the sins of the past and to restore the archi-
tectural dignity of the building complex. The local and probably best-
known architectural firm in Switzerland has been responsible for this
project: Herzog & de Meuron. The completion of the new boutique
hotel, which is located in the head building of the Volkshaus Basel,
marks the final renovation and conversion stage of this 10-year pro-
ject. A total of 45 rooms and suites have been created, ranging in size
from 22 to 70 square metres. The design of the rooms not only makes
formal references to the other parts of the building but also to the
building’s past: the black oak wall panelling, for example, is reminis-
cent of the wall units with integrated doors that were used in the for-
mer offices dating from the 1970s. The portholes, in turn, take up the
shape of the windows in the brasserie and bar. And the colour green
that is applied as a recurring element contributes to identity formation
throughout the building. Last but not least, the furniture should be
mentioned: in every room there is a lounge chair with ottoman, a de-
sign — no surprise — by Herzog & de Meuron themselves.
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