Cantonal And Urban Development Department In The Presidential Department Of The Canton Of Basel-Stadt; MIDERI ARCHITEKTEN

The process of activating a riverfront is multifaceted, encompassing elements like accessibility, the presence of support facilities, and its integration with the city core. Specifically, the juncture where the riverfront merges with the city center offers intriguing insights for potential access and expansion.

 

The area near the banks of the Rhine, once sealed off by medieval walls, underwent a transformation. By the early 21st century, with enhanced accessibility and water quality, it evolved into a vital public space after being integrated with the city’s center. Now, the riverside is a bustling hub where residents swim, take a walk, dine, and interact socially, strengthening its ties to Basel’s central areas. Additionally, buildings flanking the river are aiming to foster a more dynamic link by vacating their ground levels.

 

In this exhibit, MIDERI ARCHITEKTEN presents sensory videos capturing the Rhine’s flow side by side with desks detailing riverfront analyses. Through a blend of maps, visuals, and narratives, they shed light on the Rhine’s diverse influences, be they historical, cultural, sociological, geographical, or economic, and how the cultural communities along its expanse interact.

 

- Miquel del Rio Sanin, the founding partner at MIDERI ARCHITEKTEN GmbH, is a renowned architect from Barcelona. He began his studies at the International Business School (ESCI-UPF) in 1998, followed by a decade at ETSAB, culminating in a master's in Architecture in 2009. Miquel's journey in architecture saw him partnering at RDR, Estudi d’Arquitectura from 2001-2012, and undertaking internships at esteemed firms like Herzog & De Meuron and Arriola & Fiol. In 2013, he co-founded the Focketyn del Rio studio in Basel with Hans Focketyn. Their studio has secured multiple accolades, including the Kaserne refurbishment in Basel. Alongside his professional achievements, Miquel has been an educator, serving as a teaching assistant at ETSAB under Moises Gallego.

 

Pictures and Video: Maris Mezulis

Graphic design: Pascal Storz？