After four years of construction and renovation, the renovation of the Basel Stadtcasino by Herzog & de Meuron has been completed. Behind a refreshed neo-baroque front, which was preserved and rebuilt, the architects have succeeded in combining neo-baroque, classicist, and contemporary elements into a new type of architecture.
Inside, the space has been expanded to create additional space for the public and artists. Along with opulent, curving staircases and more generous foyers, an entirely new ventilation system has been installed.
The architects used a popular element from the 19th century, the use of mirrors for the end walls in combination with a mirrored ceiling, to make the foyer more spacious.
Central to the design is the upgrade of the Musiksaal and the Hans Huber-Saal, both listed buildings that have been renovated withs great care and in close consultation with the Historic Preservation Society. In particular, the Musiksaal is noted as one of the oldest and most important concert halls in the world. Considered to be incomparable acoustically, the famed space was restored to its original acoustic condition from 1905. The acoustic design portion included the engagement of specialist acoustic consultants from Munich. Acoustic tests so far have shown that both rooms meet the highest musical demands.
Further to the acoustic upgrade, the Musiksaal has seen new elements in the form of a new floating wood floor with an integrated air supply system as well as a podium. Historic windows were uncovered and hall seating was renewed.
The staircases were expanded with loggia-like recesses for the audience to linger during intermissions. The original brocade wallpaper was reproduced in Lyon by the Manufacture Prelle, the same company who made the wallpapers for the Opéra Garnier in Paris. A custom-made parquet refers to the historic herringbone pattern with a lens-shaped geometry that echoes the wallpaper. Another element custom designed by the architects in collaboration with lighting manufacturers Artemide, the “Parrucca” luminaire, takes inspiration from the historical crystal chandeliers and transforms it into a modern LED interpretation.
The Stadtcasino Basel had been through various reiterations and renovations, none of which proving adequate until now. Thanks to the newly created Konzertgasse, this renovation now faces both the cultural mile of the Steinenberg and Barfüsserplatz, standing confidently on the adjacent square and mighty Barfüsser Church.
