Globe 24/01: The Basel connection
Photographer Alessandro Della Bella has captured ETH Zurich’s stunning new research and teaching building in Basel.
The pentagonal building with a glass-domed atrium is the new home of the ETH Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering in Basel. It is situated close to the University of Basel’s Biozentrum, the University Hospital Basel and the University Children’s Hospital Basel. (All photographs: ETH Zurich / Alessandro Della Bella)
Designed by architects Nickl & Partner, the ETH BSS building features transparent walls both inside and out. Neighbouring buildings such as the University Hospital Basel are reflected in the facade.
Daylight pours into the spacious atrium through a glass and steel dome. Each floor houses a mix of different research groups. The goal is to foster interaction and interdisciplinarity. Spectacular helical staircases link different storeys. State-of-the-art research facilities are also housed on the lower floors. Open-plan areas offer plenty of opportunities for students and staff to swap ideas. Several parts of the building are accessible to the public, including the bistro on the basement level, the rooftop restaurant and terrace on the top floor, and the conference and seminar rooms.
Daylight pours into the spacious atrium through a glass and steel dome. Each floor houses a mix of different research groups. The goal is to foster interaction and interdisciplinarity. Spectacular helical staircases link different storeys. State-of-the-art research facilities are also housed on the lower floors. Open-plan areas offer plenty of opportunities for students and staff to swap ideas. Several parts of the building are accessible to the public, including the bistro on the basement level, the rooftop restaurant and terrace on the top floor, and the conference and seminar rooms.
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