Beschreibung
des Entwurfs-programmes |
Studio Basel – Foyer Civic focuses on Theaterplatz in Basel and the question: how can design(ers) help to develop it into a truly civic space in the middle of the city? In the zoning plan it is officially designated as an “allmende”, from Middle High German “algemeinde” (“Gemeindeflur”) or ‘commons’ in English. However, contrary to this official status Theaterplatz is not commonly used. Apart from those who are visiting the theater after which it is named, or one of the neighboring cultural institutions, the square is mostly used as a shortcut for crossing the city center of Basel.
Constructed in the 1970’s and referred to as Theaterplatz, the cascading complex of smaller plazas, passages, stairways, and corridors in front of, but also under and around Theater Basel, is officially nameless and lacks the architectural quality and popular appeal that its name might imply. Strategically situated between Basel’s main train station and the historic inner city, it is one stop along the most frequented public transport/ tram route through the city. Theaterplatz itself however remains a blind spot on the mental map of many people.
In recent years the initiators of Verein Theaterplatz-Quartier, an association of twelve cultural institutions that are centered around the square, have taken up the challenge to reimagine and reorganize the use and communication of the square. As a collective vehicle for the activation and promotion of Theaterplatz, the verein is continuously developing ideas and actions that aim to improve the spatial quality and public appeal of the square. The design studio will respond to the plans and wishes of members of the verein, while simultaneously taking into account the needs of other, less visible, and numerous users of the square: from skateboarders who were banned because of noise disturbance or protestors who often start their demonstrations on the square, to the homeless people who use the sculpture in front of the theater as a public toilet.
The studio is organized in three phases. During the first four weeks, you will quickly develop 1:1 prototypes and mock-ups. In the following four weeks you will collectively create a short documentary film that reveals the qualities and use of the square, including the people’s interactions with your prototypes and mock-ups. In the final phase, you will work on proposals for more permanent interventions. Each phase results in a public, scripted presentation in Basel. And with each phase you will gain greater independence to create and present your ideas.
The studio combines a performative, sensorial exploration of this multifaceted public space with a more scientific approach and analytical monitoring techniques, and digital 3D mapping tools. We will work closely together with specialists from a range of artistic and academic disciplines, including (physical) theater, cognitive sciences, ecology, visual media and (scan) technology. Besides, we will share regular exchanges with the diploma students working on the same site, and we will work closely with local actors. Together we will form a learning community that will collectively rediscover Theaterplatz and reinvent it as a patchwork of micro spaces.
(Possible additional costs for going to Basel, ca. 3x) |
Thematische und methodische Schwerpunkte |
Entwurf, Staedtebau, Landschaftsarchitektur, Performance |
