Herzog & de Meuron NO.477 Dreispitz Nord is an extensive urban development project in Basel that transforms the former Dreispitz customs depot into a mixed-use urban district. It tackles the paradox of increasing density while simultaneously creating large, public green spaces. Three high-rise towers and a set of mid-rise buildings form an open perimeter block, with a publicly accessible park at its center. More than 80% of the total site area is provided as outdoor space, combining housing, offices, commercial spaces, a school, and a community center.
Two key green spaces define the project: the Margaretha Merian Anlage, resembling a traditional city garden, and the rooftop Adele Duttweiler Field. The latter is connected to a middle school, a multipurpose gymnasium, community gardens, and a youth center, and linked to the surrounding neighborhood through a landscaped ramp. Notably, the new middle school on top of the shopping center is a symbolic example of architectural densification, preservation of green space, and reinforcement of public accessibility.
The project prioritizes non-motorized traffic, integrating pedestrian and bicycle routes and providing good access to public transportation. It also aims to counteract monotony by applying architectural guidelines, ensuring a lively urban silhouette where diverse mid-rise and high-rise buildings shape the skyline. Ultimately, it proposes a new urban model balancing density, green space, publicness, and diversity.

Herzog & de Meuron