copenhagen-based practice BIG have created ‘transitlager’, the winning competition proposal to renovate and extend a warehouse in the industrial district of basel, switzerland. dating from the 1960s, the 18,000 square meter concrete structure will receive an additional 7,000 square meters for residences and arts-related spaces to transform the upcoming dreispitz neighborhood into a bustling arts district. visually separated into two stacked volumes, the combination will become a hybrid of mixed-use program, rearranging the distribution within the existing floors to merge activity from the art, commerce, work and living spaces.

BIG transitlager in basel, switzerland by bjarke ingels groupall images © bjarke ingels group

 

 

encompassed by a network of intersecting railways, loading docks and turning radii, the zigzagged facade and pointed corners become generated by the infrastructure. connections between existing public areas and nearby botanical garden enforce the dynamic location of this new center. additional vibrant urban spaces and peaceful gardens provide diverse atmospheres for various lifestyles and activities. the folded perimeter of the upper structure optimizes interior daylight conditions and outward views from rooftop terraces placed within generated niches. the exterior reflects the geometries of the surrounding context, creating a fresh appearance with a familiar character.

BIG transitlager in basel, switzerland by bjarke ingels group public green spaces

 

 

original walls have been removed to create flexible open plans while limited interventions and partitions feature a minimal material palette of concrete surfaces to retain the sense of place and classic luxury. sparsely filled internal arrangement increases feasibility for installations for businesses, ateliers and workshops.

BIG transitlager in basel, switzerland by bjarke ingels group zigzagged volume is set upon the existing warehouse

 

 

‘the stacking of two complimentary structures – one on top of the other – has generated a new take on the typology of the communal courtyard. where the typical residential courtyard finds itself incarcerated by walls of program, the roofyards of the transitlager combine the tranquility and communal space of the courtyard with the sunlight and panoramic views of the penthouse. a penthouse for the people.’ – bjarke ingels, partner and founder of BIG.

BIG transitlager in basel, switzerland by bjarke ingels group roof terraces and gardens overlooking the encompassing industrial district

BIG transitlager in basel, switzerland by bjarke ingels group artist studio

BIG transitlager in basel, switzerland by bjarke ingels group industrial character maintained within the residences

BIG transitlager in basel, switzerland by bjarke ingels group residences overlook the city at night

BIG transitlager in basel, switzerland by bjarke ingels group aerial view of model

BIG transitlager in basel, switzerland by bjarke ingels group zigzag motif is translated into the landscape

BIG transitlager in basel, switzerland by bjarke ingels group staggered facade creates a series of roof terraces

BIG transitlager in basel, switzerland by bjarke ingels group model

BIG transitlager in basel, switzerland by bjarke ingels group (left) initial stacked volumes (right) upper volume sliced into five smaller volumes

BIG transitlager in basel, switzerland by bjarke ingels group (left) volumes rotated (right) structural connections diagram

BIG transitlager in basel, switzerland by bjarke ingels group (left) volumes elongated (right) daylight diagram

BIG transitlager in basel, switzerland by bjarke ingels group (left) daylight diagram (right) rooftop green spaces

BIG transitlager in basel, switzerland by bjarke ingels group (left) facade study (right) green diagram

 

 

project info:

 

partner in charge: bjarke ingels, andreas klok pedersen project leader: jakob henke team: gul ertekin, ioannis gio, ricardo palma, alexandra gustaffson, bara srpkova, marcelina kolasinska, ryohei koike

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