Basel, Switzerland
Herzog & DeMeuron’s design for the restoration of the old Main Post Office “Hauptpost” with Stähelin Partner Architekten in Basel gets one step closer to its realization after having recently received the building permit.
The old Main Post Office, or “Hauptpost,” is a multi-layered building with origins dating back to the 14th century.
After having carefully analyzed the original building, later additions and alterations made through the years will be meticulously deconstructed and the original spatial flow restored.
Particular attention was paid to opening up the ground floor area and integrating the large, historic entry hall into the surrounding urban space.
This captivating space is modeled on sacred Gothic buildings with towering heights and pointed arches.
The formerly private passageway between Gerbergasse and Freie Strasse will invite pedestrians to take a break and provides access to the central, roofed patio.
In reference to the original inner courtyard, the patio will become freed from later fixtures and will act as a link between the passage and the hall.
In addition to the public ground floor “Magasin,” the passage, and the patio, the upper floors are planned as commercial/office space.
A new roof top will provide a panoramic view of the old town.
After having won the competition the invited four Basel offices to present ideas, Herzog |& de Meuron will renovate the former building on behalf of the insurance group and homeowner Axa, giving it a new use.
A multifunctional townhouse with shops, service providers, restaurants and offices is planned.
In developing the building complex, the architects had to go far back into history.
From the 14th century, there was a department store on the site, which the post office secured for itself and its needs in the mid-19th century.
The sandstone building was remodeled several times, which also had to be held in account and addressed in the renovation plan.
The project is currently in detailed planning phases and construction should begin this year with a targeted completing for the end of 2024.
Project: Hauptpost Basel
Architects: Herzog & de Meuron
Lead Architects: Jacques Herzog, Pierre de Meuron, and Wim Walschap (Partner in Charge)
Project Team: Yasmin Kherad (Project Director, Associate), Daniel Schürer (Project Manager), Vladislav Kostadinov, and Victoria Kravchenko
Design Phase Team: Yasmin Kherad (Project Director, Associate), Simon Davis (Project Manager), Bruno de Almeida Martins (Visualizations), Beining Chen, Paul Haas, Zuzanna Koltowska, Vladislav Kostadinov, Victoria Kravchenko, Elin Lohe, Aleksandar Slavikovic (Visualizations), and Barbara Urmossy
Competition Phase Team: Yasmin Kherad (Project Director, Associate) and Gwendoline Eveillard
Associate Architects: Stähelin Partner Architekten AG
General Contractor: b+p baurealisation AG
Client: AXA Anlagestiftung
Images Courtesy of the Architects
