Art and Public Space

'Pulse', Messe Basel

On top of the exhibition hall 1 in Basel, host of ‚Art Umlimited’, sits the largest extensive green roof in Switzerland (overall size 16’000m2). In collaboration with Dr. Stephan Brenneisen (ZHAW, University of Applied Sciences, Zurich) and Michael Zogg, Designer we have redesigned this structure in 2008. Fusing art, design and science this unique project offers habitat for diverse flora and fauna within the city and creates a forum for contemplation. Conceived as a self-sustaining, biodiverse green roof the colours and structures of the plants form a three-dimensional ‘drawing’, which reflects the social and economical context of the building. Interpreting the exhibition hall as an epicentre of innovation, energy and communication, the concentrical circles represent this expanding movement. The pulse line that goes across illustrates the lively energy that such a place creates. It is the first green roof of its kind in Switzerland to interdisciplinary combine art and science and is designed to act as a prototypical project advocating sustainability and communication within the urban space.