1:200 competition model in white and translucent acrylic, photographed against black

Güterbahnhof Basel

Project
Güterbahnhof Basel
Client & Architect
BETA office for architecture and the city
Location
Basel, CH
Materials
cast acrylic, 3D Print (PLA)
Competition Model
1:200

Compressed between two existing buildings, we wanted to showcase how the horizontality of the volume creates the illusion the building extends beyond its immediate surroundings. To break up these long lines and repetitiveness, we punctuate the maquette with green elements. This subtle yet meaningful addition underscores the importance of the residents' lifestyle, offering a visual contrast to the otherwise strong and uniform volume. We strived to achieve the correct balance between abstraction and recognition, to clearly connect with the architects' design, in a crisp and elegant way. We emphasise the clean, bending lines of the facade that form balconies, communal entrances and public passages.

  • The long white facade of the model against a black background 1/5
  • The full length of the Güterbahnhof model on its base, seen against a black background 2/5
  • Detail of the cast acrylic facade, with the railings meeting the outward bend of the glass 3/5
  • The end of the block, with the public passage cut through 4/5
  • The full length of the model, the balcony lines running horizontally 5/5
The volume with the recessed communal entrance cut into it
  • Rows of white facade elements for the Güterbahnhof model laid out on a table 1/5
  • Cutting and assembling the thin white strips of the Güterbahnhof model on a cutting mat 2/5
  • Detail of the white acrylic balconies and floors of the Güterbahnhof facade 3/5
  • Rows of white balcony pieces with dark gaps, laid out before assembly 4/5
  • Small green model trees and white pieces on a work surface with pliers 5/5
The whole model on its exhibition table, against a brown wall