Despite many destructive interventions, the Engelhof has retained a strong charisma that should not be erased, but rather complemented; renovations and alterations are subordinate to the existing building typology and fabric, static reinforcements can be grasped as an auxiliary construction, and the interior design reveals the existing heterogeneity.
The spatial complexity is supported by the lighting. The buildings, which have grown together additively, are connected by a coherent access concept based on the early university type with a central courtyard and classrooms accessed from the cloister. The clarity and transparency of this layout lends the building a generous feel.
The richness of the spatial situation is contrasted by a differentiated but restrained philosophy of detail: Space as form, light as a space-creating element and old structure as a material witness to history are in the foreground. Developed from its function and its specific location, the detail connects the different components through constancy in material, colour and expression.

1986 - 1990

Germanic and Slavic Seminar of the University of Basel

Building owner:
Canton Basel-Stadt, Building Department

Planning team:
Architect's office Silvia Gmür, Basel
Vischer AG Architects + Planners, Basel

Art on the building:
Guido Nussbaum

Photos:
Christian Lichtenberg

Floor plan
Floor plan
Section
Section
© Christian Lichtenberg
© Christian Lichtenberg
Staircase in the German Studies Institute © Christian Lichtenberg
Staircase in the German Studies Institute © Christian Lichtenberg
Gallery of the Slavic Library © Ch. Lichtenberg
Gallery of the Slavic Library © Ch. Lichtenberg
© Christian Lichtenberg
© Christian Lichtenberg
Slavic Library © Christian Lichtenberg
Slavic Library © Christian Lichtenberg
Staircase between two library floors © Christian Lichtenberg
Staircase between two library floors © Christian Lichtenberg
Seminar room ground floor © Christian Lichtenberg
Seminar room ground floor © Christian Lichtenberg
German Studies library © Christian Lichtenberg
German Studies library © Christian Lichtenberg
Galery German Studies Institute © Christian Lichtenberg
Galery German Studies Institute © Christian Lichtenberg