BASEL-STADT: 4 PRoPoSALS - ETH Basel

– Food in Basel II – – Basel-Stadt – 

– 506 – – 507 – 

Basel-stadt: 

4 ProPosals 

DRAFT 

© ETH Studio Basel

SURVEY 

Basel-Stadt 

area: 3705 ha 

population: 192416 inhabitants 

agricultural area: 484 ha 

5193.4 inhabitants/km 2 

– Food in Basel II – – Basel-Stadt – 

0 

10 

50 km 

grains 

potatoes 

sugar 

pulses +nuts 

vegetables 

fruits 

pork 

beef 

chicken 

fish 

eggs 

milk, - prod. 

– 508 – – 509 – 

0il 

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 

annual food production in % of Metrobasel’s demand 

Contribution to Metrobasel 

1.4% 20.9% 0.4% 

DRAFT 

area population agricultural land 


– Food in Basel II – – City Core: Central Market – 

– 510 – – 511 – 


CItY CORe 

DRAFT 


ETH Studio Basel 

Contemporary City Institute 

Florentin Zellweger 

Prof. Jacques Herzog, Prof. Pierre de Meuron 

lisa euler, Manuel Herz, Charlotte von Moos, 

shadi Rahbaran 

spring semester 2012 



CItY CORe 

INtROdUCtION 

Abstract 

CItY CeNtRe 

The Inner City 

„Platzkette“ 

Market Square 

Fish Market / Spiegelgasse 

Schifflände 

ReFeReNCes 

Structures 

Borough Food Market 

Selected Projects and Proposals 

MaRKet sQUaRe(s) 

Project Development 

– 512 – – 513 – 

DRAFT 


INtROdUCtION 


“Wherever food markets survive, they bring a quality to urban life, that is all too rare in the West: a 

sense of belonging, engagement, character. they connect us to an ancient sort of public life. People 

have always come to markets in order to socialise as well as to buy food, and the need for such 

spaces in which to mingle is as great now as it has ever been - arguably greater, since so few such 

opportunities exist in modern life.” 

– 514 – – 515 – 

-Carolyn steele (“Hungry City”, p. 111) 

DRAFT 

Pieter Bruegel the Older: “Der Kampf zwischen Karneval © und ETH Fasten”, 1559 Studio (http://lebbeuswoods.wordpress.com/) Basel

Abstract 

The perimeter of the historic centre includes the “Altstadt“ 

Grossbasel and Kleinbasel, which are connected through the 

“Mittlere Rheinbrücke“. Today the Altstadt Grossbasel occupies 

a total of 37,20 ha with 2 033 * people living in the old town, 

resulting in a housing density of 79,7 Pers. per ha * . 

The city centre is dominated by social activities and 

administration. Thematic clusters and concentrations 

become eminent for example, by looking at Barfüsserplatz as 

a gastronomic hot-spot and public transport hub, Freie Strasse 

as an amusement and shopping area and Claragraben with 

it’s gastronomy clusters, connecting to the Rhine promenade. 

The site around the market square however seems like a kind 

of “gap“ within these public spaces and thematic clusters 

aligning themselves along the main axis through the inner 

city. Schifflände and Fischmarkt are presently fully occupied 

by traffic, and the market square has no amenity values 

beyond it’s reduced function as a food market. 


Constantin Guise: “Fischmarkt mit Figurenbrunnen“, 1380 (ARCHITEKTURFÜHRER BASEL. Die Baugeschichte der Stadt und ihrer Umgebung, p.44) 

Never the less, Schifflände is the most central location 

within the city, once the “entrance” to Basel, as it constituted 

the main connection to the world, marking the biggest asset of 

historic Basle: the first economically important bridge to cross 

the rhine. Historicly speaking the situation, as an entrance of 

delivery and distribution, signifies the interaction of food and 

the inner city structure. 

Nowadays the situation around Schifflände, Fischmarkt and 

the market square lacks spatial quality and possibility, public 

transport has occupied all public space, resulting in a thematic 

reduction to traffic. By optimising the food market and 

concentrating “food-shopping“ in the heart of the centre, 

the idea is to use the topic of food and the idea of the market 

as a sort of “catalyst“ to restructure and revitalise the centre 

and give a new meaning to the situation, by reinventing the 

historical market spaces and their connection to the Birsig and 

the Rhine. 

( * Status end of 2010, Statistisches Jahrbuch Kanton Basel-Stadt 2011.) 

– 516 – – 517 – 

M. Jakob Meyer: “Prospect des Kornmarkts zu Basel“, 1651 (BASEL, Geschichte einer städtischen Gesellschaft, p.123) 

DRAFT 

Execution of the leaders of the urban riot of 1691 (Author unknown), around 1700 (BASEL, Geschichte einer städtischen Gesellschaft, p.136) 



CItY CeNtRe 

the first celtic settlements along the rhine date back to the 5.century BC. the development of 

Basel has always been influenced by the significance of being the first (actually second: the first 

bridge was in Rheinfelden, built probably sometime between 1155 and 1165 by duke Berthold IV of 

Zähringen.), and for a long time the only connection between northern and southern europe. the 

“Mittlere Rheinbrücke” was built in 1225 by bishop Heinrich von thun and to secure the bridge, 

Kleinbasel was founded. 

Between trade and travel Basel has developed into a metropolitan city spreading over three countries, 

forming the trinational region of Metro Basel. the main element remains the rhine, as a constant 

urban reference, signifying an event in itself. 

Basel has an astonishing diversity in food products and gastronomy, as the town has always been 

influenced by a vast range of different perspectives. With more than five hundred registered restaurants, 

Basel-stadt (primarily the inner city) shows the highest gastronomic density in the area of Metro 

Basel. Besides gastronomy, food shopping is an important topic of the city centre. apart from bigger 

food shops, the market square remains a destination for food shoppers with special requests. 

– 518 – – 519 – 

DRAFT 

© ETH Schifflände Studio (“WURSTISEN. Basler Basel 

Chronick”, p.3)

The Inner City 

Leisure activities dominate the city centre. Housing has 

been reduced to very specific high standard sites. The city 

centre structures itself around the socialising factor and 

central attractions, illustrated by the range of shopping 

offers, gastronomy, cultural activities and possibilities, 

most of which “only“ take place in the city centre. Events 

spreading over the city centre and along the rhine, such as 

the “Floss“, “Chill am rhy“ or the “Fasnacht“ bring live and 

themes to public spaces. All activities and topics seem to be 

concentrating themselves along a distinct “path” through 

the city, connecting Basel SBB with Badischer Bahnhof: from 

the cultural site of Theater and Kunsthalle to Barfüsserplatz 

and Steinenvorstadt with a very high concentration around 

gastronomy and some shopping opportunities. Freie Strasse 

and Gerbergasse, the “main” shopping streets lead to 

the market square, where a small daily food market takes 

place. The market square seems empty, offering no spatial 

qualities for people to spend time and around the Markthof, 

Fischmarkt and Schifflände have been spatialy reduced 

to traffic and completely cut off from the historic urban 

structure around Spalenberg by the Spiegelhof-building. The 

Mittlere Rheinbrücke leads to Claragraben with Rheingasse 

and Klingental, where gastronomy grows very dense 


Schneidergasse: “Hasenburg“, next to Imbergasse (originally named “Ingwergässlein“ because of spice trading) and 

Andreasplatz, a former market space. “Gifthüttli“ on the right was the first restaurant in Basel to serve both wine and beer. 

again, especially along the rhine. Restaurant “Lällekönig“ 

at Schifflände has existed for over 200 years and today still 

sticks his tongue out to Kleinbasel, symbolising the historic 

significance of the site. After Claraplatz, Clarastrasse connects 

the exhibition square with Badischer Bahnhof. 

Basle always fed itself through it’s Hinterland: farmers came 

to the town centre to sell their produce. As a commercial city 

the element of travel was very important for it’s development. 

Schifflände establishes the situation where the topic of food 

and the city centre historicly come together: as a “deliveryspot 

and entrancepoint“. Food was brought to Basel over the 

Rhine and the Mittlere Brücke and from Schifflände it 

was distributed to all market spaces along the Birsig. 

The Birsig flowing through the inner city and finally in to the 

Rhine, just under the site of Schifflände was open until 1899 

and separated the historic city: todays Falknerstrasse didn’t 

exist as can be seen on the following plans. There has never 

really been food production within the historic city walls. 

Food was traditionally influenced by Germany and France 

(Markgräflerland, Baden, Sundgau, Elsass), which is also the 

reason why there is no real “Basel cuisine“. 

– 520 – – 521 – 

Unterer Rheinweg: “Mittlere Rheinbrücke“ and Schifflände seen from Kleinbasel 

DRAFT 

Market square: Market on a Tuesday 


Sebastian Münster: Basel seen from the northwest, 1544 (BASEL, Geschichte einer städtischen Gesellschaft, p.81) 

Matthäus Merian: the historic city supplying itself, no food production taking place in the city centre, 1615 

(ARCHITEKTURFÜHRER BASEL. Die Baugeschichte der Stadt und ihrer Umgebung, p.44) 


– 522 – – 523 – 

Overlay “Löffelplan” (Johann Heinrich Löffel, 1857-59) with a satellite image: open Birsig running through the city 

DRAFT 

Schifflände today (Bing maps) 



CLARAGRABEN: High GASTRONOMY presence and the rhine bord Kleinbasel as the most popular public space 

FISH MARKET / SCHIFFLÄNDE: Mostly dominated by public TRANSPORT 

MARKET SQUARE: Surrounded by traffic, the market square has rather poor spatial qualities: less gastronomy but a 

daily MARKET with fresh products, although very small in terms of product range and clientel 

FREIE STRASSE / GERBERGASSE: Gastronomy and main “SHOPPING street” 

BARFÜSSERPLATZ: High GASTRONOMY presence and public transport hub 

Petersplatz 

Marktplatz 

DRAFT 

“Innerstadt” (perimeter within the historic city walls): public spaces along a distinct “path“ leading through the city centre 

THEATRE 

– 524 – – 525 – 

Lohnhof 

Kaserne 

Münsterplatz 

Barfüsserplatz 

Theater 

Claraplatz 

Rheinpromenade Kleinbasel 

Basel SBB 

Claramatte 

Badischer Bahnhof 

Messe 

KASERNE 

RHINE BORD 

PETERSPLATZ 

MARKET SQUARE 

MÜNSTERPLATZ 

BARFÜSSERPLATZ 


FOOD MARKET 

FOOD SHOPPING 


– 526 – – 527 – 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

DRAFT 

�� 

GASTRONOMY Food around the market square and Schifflände (scale 1:2000) 

�� 

�� 

�� 

Food Market 

Food Shopping 

Gastronomy 

© ETH Studio Basel 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

��

“Platzkette“ 

The public spaces market square, Fischmarkt and Schifflände 

read like a chain aligning themselves along the underground 

Birsig. For practical reasons, such as sanitation and waste the 

Birsig was the main “vessel“ of Basel and the development 

of it’s market spaces: Basel was structured along the Birsig 

between the hills “Münsterberg”, where the first roman 

fortification was built and the “Spalenberg“. The position in 

the “Rheinknie“ was always of high strategic value and the 

Mittlere Rheinbrücke for a long time the only connection over 

the Rhine. Nowadays there still is a “Coop Fischmarkt“ as a 

reminder of what once was an important market site. Big food 

shops, such as Globus, situated at the north-east corner of the 

market square, are trying to vitalise the market feeling through 

open air vendors and classic market stalls. Gastronomy is not 

as strongly articulated as in Claragraben or Barfüsserplatz, food 

shopping however seems to be concentrated in the area, but 

also spreads to Claragraben and into Freie Strasse. However 

there are no spatial qualities to stay and enjoy the public 

spaces: in the evening the site is deserted, apart from traffic, 

since Schifflände is a key situation of public transport leading 

over the bridge. Apart from traffic Fischmarkt and Schifflände 

have no topics and no real infrastructure or possibilities for 

activities to develop. The market square, spatially unsuccessful 

has been functionally reduced to a minimalistic food market 

with little product variety and specific, mostly high standard 

clientel: the market square is “empty“. The main drawback is 

again traffic, mainly dominated by trams, it fully surrounds the 

area, making it more of an undefined space than a square. The 

Rathaus and it’s political and symbolic significance leaves only 

a history to the market square: historicly occupied by different 

usages and different meanings, it has always been a centre, 

which nowadays has been decentralised. The overall unprecise 

proportions of the public spaces and therefore disfunctional 

spatial relations, the site doesn’t feel appealing and doesn’t 

get used and lived as the public space it could be. In 1900 the 

tram connection between the market square and Schifflände 

was built. It was not until 1903 that all inner city tram lines 

crossed Fischmark. In 1937 the west wing of the “Börse“ 

(3) has been demolished together with all the historic city 

structure between Blumenrain and Petersberg to build a strait 

railway through the inner city, which luckily has never been 

realised. Blumenrain coming down along the Trois Rois got it’s 

name from the flower market happening north of Fischmarkt, 

which has been destroyed due to the forementioned project 

“Talentlastungsstrasse“. 


“Markthof”, 1895 (“Der Basler Arbeitsrappen”, p. 161) (1) 

Market Square, 1900 (http://www.g-st.ch/trambasel/) 

“Schifflände”, 1905 (http://www.g-st.ch/trambasel/) (2) 

“Börse”, 1906 (Bischoff/Weideli) (http://www.g-st.ch/trambasel/) (3) 

© Grundbuch und Vermessungsamt | www.gva.bs.ch www.stadtplan.bs.ch 

Dieser Planausdruck hat nur informativen Charakter Ausdruck vom 28. März 2012 


Fischmarkt, 1929 (BASEL, Geschichte einer städtischen Gesellschaft, S.237) 

– 528 – – 529 – 

1857-59 (http://www.stadtplan.bs.ch/) 1872-82 

DRAFT 

1900 1940


From the left: “Zum Tanz“, 1909 (Romand/Bernoulli) (5); 1914/15 (Hans Bernoulli) (6); “Zur St. Ursula“, 1909 (Eduard 

Pfrunder) (7) and the situation today (“Basler Bauten 1860-1910”, p. 23) 

“Fischmarkt“, around 1900 (http://www.g-st.ch/trambasel/) and today (4) 

Market Square, 1910 (http://www.g-st.ch/trambasel/) and today 

�� 

– 530 – – 531 – 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

4 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

2 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

1 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

Birsig 

Situation (Scale 1:2000) with a total perimeter of 18 320 m �� 

�� 

2 , 

“Platzkette“: Marktplatz (approx. 5717 m2 ), Fischmarkt (approx. 1659 m2 ) and Schifflände (approx. 1717 m2 DRAFT 

) (scale 1:2000) 

3 

7 

�� 

6 

�� 

5 

�� 

�� 

�� 


�� 

�� 

�� 

��

Market Square 


The market square originally was a centre of everyday social In 1356 it was totally destroyed by the earthquake, in it’s 

life and culture. Next to the remaining use as a space of trade stead the new Rathaus, a “palace of rulers“, was rebuilt. After 

and economy, it was and still is the secular govermental Basles joining with the union of the “Eidgenossen”, in 1501, 

center with the Rathaus, where news, discussions and even the Rathaus was rebuilt yet again, a part of which still exists 

executions took place. 

in todays building. 

Until probably 1260 the market square was divided in two The “Kornmarkt“ was also Basles place of justice. In front 

by the Birsig, and originally called “Kornmarkt”. Here Basle’s of the courthouse, “Haus zum Pfauenberg“, there was a 

citizens met and did daily business. Up to the 15. century only heavy flat stone, the so called “heisser Stein“. There political 

grain, wine, wood, hay and straw were traded, whereas criminals were sentenced to death, inflammatory papers were 

fruit, vegetables, eggs, butter and poultry were traded burnt and compulsory auctions were held. 

on the Münsterplatz. The houses surrounding the square all 1887-1891 it was decided to open up the 2360 m 

had turn-down shutters on the ground floor windows, making 

them into shop window counters, through and on which local 

traders sold their produce, cooked meats, sausages, herings, 

poultry, tripe and gingerbread. 

Since 1290 the Rathaus (“Richthaus”), on the corner to 

Sporengasse, also defined the govermental center of Basle. Market Square today 

2 

“Kornmarktplatz”, and so all the houses between the market 

square - Marktgasse - Stadthausgasse - Sporengasse 

were torn down. As the town hall stood openly the market 

had considerably more operating space. In 1895 the place 

was opened up to tram traffic and in 1908 it was completely 

leveled out. 

DRAFT 

– 532 – – 533 – 


Fish Market / Spiegelgasse 

As the name says, fish were sold on the Fish Market. There 

was a law in 1623 stating that it was illegal to sell fish longer 

than three hours after their death. After three hours they 

were sold in the so called “Schelmenbank“ to poor people. 

To keep the fish fresh for as long as possible, they were 

kept alive in cages which were hung in the fountain. After 

sundown the tail fins of unsold salmon were hacked off under 

the supervision of the “Fischbeschauer“, so everyone knew it 

wasn’t fresh anymore and unfit to be sold. 

Those who couldn’t afford to buy fish, were allowed to fish 

for personal use in the Rhine. It wasn’t until 1526 that a law 

against privat fishing in the Rhine was issued by punishment 

of either a fine or loosing an eye. 

The beginning of the 20. century brought change: tram traffic 

was intensified and in 1937 a railway leading through the city 


centre was planned. Spiegelgasse marks the beginning of that 

railway, which has never been finished. 

Because of public transport the fish market has no real market 

function anymore and traffic has become the dominating 

element (“Storchen“ parking). 

Interesting is the fact that Migros and Coop (“Fischmarkt“) are 

selling their flowers onto the site of the Fish market. 

– 534 – – 535 – 

DRAFT 

Fish market today 


Schifflände 

The Schifflände is the oldest port of Basle and a square of 

the “Grossbasler Altstadt”. The guild “Zu Schiffleuten“ was 

founded in 1354 and had their headquarters there. The square 

lies on the left of the Rhine by the “Mittlere Rheinbrücke”, 

right where the “Rheintor” - probably built by Bishop Heinrich 

von Thun in 1225/26 - as part of the old town wall, was. 

The “Rheintor” was torn down in 1839, when it became a 

hindrance to traffic. A new trade route was established. From 

then on all merchandise from the south, coming over the 

alps to the north and vice versa, had to cross the Rhine. 

Because of their well founded connections, the Basle 

bishops saw to it, that all trade kept to that route, and so 

they and the town flourished commercially. The foundation 

to a rich commercial center was laid. 

There are only few buildings that proved as important for the 

fate of Basle as was the bridge over the Rhine. 


Nowadays the initial function as a harbour has passed 

although the site still marks an important situation for 

public transport. 

– 536 – – 537 – 

DRAFT 

Schifflände today 


ReFeReNCes 


DRAFT 

La Rambla, Barcelona (http://ferienwohnung-barcelona.perfecttravelblog.com/) “Basarraum” (possibly “souk” in the medina of Marrakech) (SHOP. the capital of social space 2, p.54) 


– 538 – – 539 –

Location 

Market Square, Basel 

(today around 1800 m2 ) 

Small daily market 

Public transport 

Open public space with market stalls 

Market Square / Baslerstrasse, Lörrach 

(around 1500 m2 ): 

Big weekly market 

Separated from public transport 

Green public space 

(http://cooketteria.blogspot.com/) 

Union Square, New York 

(around 22 400 m2 ): 

Big weekly market 

Public ransport hub (underground) 

Green public space with market stalls 

Structures 

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/) 


Different public spaces and markets in comparison regarding size and structure: from open city squares (which are often used 

as market spaces) to completely closed structures, such as the big market halls in Torino. 

100 m 

Borough Market, London 

(around 11 500 m2 ): 

Permanent food market and gastronomy hot-spot 

Separated from public ransport (hub) 

Open and closed spaces, market hall with stalls 

(http://visitbritainnordic.wordpress.com/) 

Porta Palazzo, Torino 

(around 41 600 m2 ): 

Big weekly food market 

Separated from public transport 

Open and closed spaces, stalls and big market halls 

(http://www.arte.it/luogo/) 

Jamaa El Fna, Marrakech 

(around 59 000 m2 ): 

Permanent market and gastronomy, direct connection to other public spaces 

No public transport 

Big open public space with open and enclosed stalls 

(http://www.flickriver.com/) 

– 540 – – 541 – 

100 m 

DRAFT 



Location and map of Borough Market London: Market stalls, Gastronomy and Drinks (http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/) 

Borough Food Market 

- Knowledge, Service, Traceability 

- Handy for all your food shopping 

Borough Market – the only fully independent market in 

London – is owned by a charitable trust, The Borough Market 

(Southwark), run by a board of volunteer trustees. 

“What Borough offers is an experience; an echo, for those 

who can afford it, of the excitement that food markets 

once brought to the cities. Borough is not about buying 

food at all, it is about celebrating it.“ 

- Carolyn Steel (“Hungry City”, p.107) 

Since roman times there has been trading at the site of todays 

Borough Market: as far back as 1014, London Bridge attracted 

traders selling grain, fish, vegetables and livestock. 

In the 13th century traders were relocated to what is now 

Borough High Street and a market has existed there ever 

since. 

In 1755, the market was closed by Parliament, but a group of 

Southwark residents bought a patch of land known locally as 

The Triangle and reopened the market. 

Today the market still feeds this core community and has 

grown to over 130 individual stalls. Alongside the original 

fruit, vegetables, bakers and butchers it now offers a huge 

variety of produce. 

Borough market is located in Southwark, south of the tames 

river by the London bridge connecting it to the City of London. 

It is accessible by bus, train and metro (Borough / London 

Bridge). The market is open to all sides, the main entrance 

is at Southwark Street. 

Opening hours are Thursdays 11am - 5pm, Fridays 12pm - 6pm 

and Saturdays 8am - 5pm. The shops that surround the Market 

open on additional days and a few select Stands in the Middle 

Row Market are also open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

– 542 – – 543 – 

Shoppers at Borough Market: spatial tension between inside and outside (http://www.asliceofcherrypie.com/) 

DRAFT 

Different structures overlap and varios unique places within the market emerge offer their culinary emphases 

(http://www.berkeleyhr.com/) 


Selected Projects and Proposals 

Several proposals, projects and developments have affected 

or will possibly affect the situation between the market square 

and Schifflände over time: 

In 1899 the architect F. Keck proposed the construction of a 

public townhall on the rhine, combining different functions 

on the Mittlere Rheinbrücke. Students of Studio Basel later 

used that idea to develop a project enlarging the Mittlere 

Rheinbrücke and creating a central city square. 

The transformation of Spiegel- and Petersgasse with the 

buildings “Storchen” and “Spiegelhof” are a partial result 

of the project “Talentlastungsstrasse“: Right through 

the “Altstadt” the state wanted to build the multi-track 

“Talentlastungsstrasse”, which would have lead through 

Spiegel-, Schneider- and Münzgasse as well as Gerbergässlein 

to Barfüsserplatz and further through Steinenvorstadt. 

In 1936 the building of “Spiegelhof” was sanctioned, which 

lead to the demolition of the medieval urban structure around 

Petersberg and Spiegelgasse. Therefore also part of the 

“Börse“ was torn down to make room for the railway. The new 

Spiegelgasse contained a new tram track to discharge the 

traffic situation at Schifflände, which was taken in operation in 

1938. In the early nineteensixties the second track leading from 

Schifflände to Blumenrain was removed and a curved track 

from Fischmarkt to Marktgasse as well as a direct connection 

between the bridge and Blumenrain were introduced. 


Studio Basel (Lea Gnöpf/Charlotte von Moos): Introduction of a central Square on the rhine by enlarging the bridge 

(http://www.sautervonmoos.com/) 

“Herzstück Regio-S-Bahn” proposes a new train connection 

between the three stations Basel SBB Badischer Bahnhof and 

later St. Johann. The five S-Bahn lines S1, S3, S4, S5 and S6 

should be combined and arrive at “Herzstück“ every seven 

minutes. The specification “Mitte“ combines the S-Bahn lines 

from north-western Switzerland and south Baden under the 

city center of Basle. The centers of Gross- and Keinbasel 

should each be serviced by an intermediate station. The total 

costs are about 1.2 to 1.5 billion CHF. 

The current “Richtplan Basel-Stadt” claims the city centre 

of Basle to be a cultural centre on a european level, a “social 

space of experience and leisure”. Centrality slowly loosing 

it’s significance and customer loss on the other hand show 

the need for improvement: to preserve and develop the 

mutifunctional space of the inner city and possibly distinguish 

between thematical clusters (e.g. “Boulevard, terrace and 

garden restaurants“), are some of the mentioned goals. In 

terms of traffic the aim is to expand and link pedestrian walks, 

improve accessibility in public transport and at the same time 

minimize traffic loads and hazards. 

“Through a vitalising mixture of shops and gastronomy, 

as well as leisure and culture facilities the centres of Basle 

and Riehen should promote the regional charisma.” 

(http://www.richtplan.bs.ch/) 

– 544 – – 545 – 

Development of public transportation between 1895 and 1938: Total occupation of “Fischmarkt“ by traffic 

(http://www.g-st.ch/trambasel/) 

DRAFT 

Regio S-Bahn “Herzstück”: Possible track management proposal “Mitte”(http://www.herzstueck-basel.ch/) 


MaRKet sQUaRe(s) 


– 546 – – 547 – 

DRAFT 

Pieter Bruegel the Older: “Die Parabel © ETH von den Blinden” Studio (http://www.elefantartspace.de/) Basel

Project Development 

With a total perimeter of 18 320 m 2 the site in Basle is about 

7000 m 2 bigger than Borough Market in London, allthough 

the actually possible market space probably comes down 

to only 7000 m2 . The topics of water (opening the Birsig 

and connecting to the Rhine) and traffic (include the S-Bahn 

station “Herzstück“) are essential to any functioning market 

structure and are historicly linked to the sites significance and 

development. Taking reference to the current “Richtplan“ the 

aim is to improve the spatial conditions of the city core 

and reinvent the historic market spaces by creating a 

sort of “food village“ with different places and different 

thematical aspects: The goal is to optimise the traffic 

situation, recreate and improve a “chain of public spaces” 

and closing the thematic gap by amplifying the market 

function. The market square should be transformed into the 

first “City Park“, as a new central leisure zone and gastronomy 

hot-spot, taking advantage of the existing infrastructure and 


Different squares connected to different axes 

adding to it new possibilities to use the space. To improve 

the spatial conditions the square has to be separated from 

traffic space and given some sort of landscape to recreate the 

illusion of a topography. A pedestrian “Boulevard“ along the 

open Birsig leads through the different city spaces with their 

emphases. The Fischmarkt shall be the new flower market and 

by demolishing the existing “Spiegelhof“ get enriched by a 

big public flight of steps, leading to Petersplatz and directly be 

connected to a new open “Spiegelhof“, hosting a “Central Food 

Market“ with different food shopping typologies, restaurants 

and a terrace bar. “Spiegelhof“ itself will be connected to 

Schifflände through an archway: Since the traditional function 

of Schifflände as a logistics point is no longer present the site 

will be turned into a big topographic stairway leading onto 

DRAFT 

the Rhine, spatially connecting to Drei König Weglein and the 

“Untere Pfalz“ or even “Wettsteinbrücke”, as a reflection of 

the Kleinbasel Rhine promenade. Status Quo (scale 1:2000) 

– 548 – – 549 – 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 


�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

��

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 


�� 

Demolition of the “Spiegelhof“ building and the modern components of the building complex around “Börse“ (1:2000) 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

– 550 – – 551 – 

�� 

�� 

�� 

� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

DRAFT 

Establish logistics: restructure public transportation and introduce S-Bahn Station (“Herzstück“) to “Spiegelhof” (1:2000) 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

S 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 


�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

��

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

“Spiegelhof“ with an open ground floor and Schifflände with steps leading onto a new Rhine bord (1:2000) 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 


�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

– 552 – – 553 – 

�� 

�� 

�� 

� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

DRAFT 

Public spaces: open Birsig with pedestrian walk around the new squares (1:2000) 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 


�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

��

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

S 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 


�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

New situation and spatial relations within the city: connection to the historic town structure and green axis above the Fish market 

(1:2000) 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

– 554 – – 555 – 

�� 

Pedestrian Level: 

S-Bahn Station “Spiegelhof“ 

Food Market “Spiegelhof“ 

New Market (infrastrucutre) 

Flower Market “Fischmarkt“ with 

Food Shopping “Storchen / Pfauen” 

Leisure Spaces 

Existing Food-Shopping 

Existing Gastronomy 

�� 

�� 

� 

DRAFT 

Kellergässlein: in the back the axis continues to pass Peterskirche and reach Petersplatz with the university 


�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

New inner city squares (1:2000) 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

S 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

3 

4 

�� 

�� 


2 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

5 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

BAR / GASTRONOMY 

ADMINISTRATION 


SHOPPING / GASTRONOMY 

FOOD MARKET / SHOPPING 

BIRS (2-3 m) 

RHINE (5-6 m) 

S-BAHN (25-45 m) 

– 556 – – 557 – 

�� 

1 

�� 

�� 

� 

1 “Schifflände“: RHINE PIAZZA 

Leisure 

2 “Spiegelhof” I: S-BAHN 

Transport Hub 

Food Market 

3 “Spiegelhof“ II: CENTRAL MARKET(S) 

Food Market 

Food Shopping 

Gastronomy 

4 “Fish Market”: CENTRAL MARKET(S) 

Flower Market 

Food Shopping 

Gastronomy 

5 “Market Square“: CENTRAL PARK 

Leisure 

Gastronomy 

New “SPIEGELHOF”: 

First Floor: 

Gastronomy 

Connecting open Terrace 

Food Shopping 

Gastronomy Terrace 

(Second/Third Floor: 

Administration) 

Fourth Floor / Roof Terrace: 

Bar and Restaurants 

DRAFT 

“Spiegelhof“: Possible distribution of functions (floor plans scale 1:5000, section not in scale) 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 



– 558 – – 559 – 

DRAFT 

© ETH Studio Market Basel 

Square today


DRAFT 

Trees separating public transportation from a new gastronomy and leisure zone, © cutting ETH out noise Studio and creating a new Basel atmosphere 

– 560 – – 561 –


– 562 – – 563 – 

DRAFT 

© ETH Studio Fish Basel 

Market today


– 564 – – 565 – 

DRAFT 

A new flower market with food shopping opportunities (e.g. © “Storchen”), ETH no Studio public transport Basel 

on the square


– 566 – – 567 – 

DRAFT 

© ETH Studio Marktgasse Basel today


– 568 – – 569 – 

DRAFT 

An open Birsig and new © pedestrian ETH “Boulevard“ Studio leading Basel 

to Schifflände


– 570 – – 571 – 

DRAFT 

© ETH Studio Spiegelgasse / Spiegelhof Basel today


– 572 – – 573 – 

DRAFT 

New “Spiegelhof“ with S-Bahn station, open © food ETH market, Studio food shopping and Basel gastronomy

– Food in Basel II – – Klybeck Island: Herb Harbor – 

– 574 – – 575 – 

Basel-stadt: KlYBeCK 

Island HerB HarBor 

DRAFT 




Yifei Wang 



shadi rahbaran 



Basel-stadt: KlYBeCK 

Island HerB HarBor 

IntroductIon 

Location in Basel 

Transformation of Klybeck Island 

Site Photos 

Ongoing Projects 

PotentIal as InterIm urban Garden? 

urban cultIVatIon oF Herb 

Introduction 

Species Study 

Container as Cultivation Method 

Herb Harbor 

Strategies 

Masterplan 

Seasonal Scenarios 

Yield and Economic Value 

Beyond the Yield 

Urban Character and Popularization 

– 576 – – 577 – 

DRAFT 


IntroductIon 


– 578 – – 579 – 

DRAFT 


Location in Basel 

The site (marked with red background) is Klybeck Island. 

It locates by the Rhine and near to the trinational border 

and belongs to Klybeck Quatier in Basel Stadt. 


– 580 – – 581 – 

DRAFT 

Basel Stadt and Surroundings 1:50000 


Siegfriedkarte 1880 1:25000 

Source: www.swisstopo.ch 

Transformation of Klybeck Island 

The site used to be an island until the end of 19th Century. 

Due to rapid urban development of Basel Stadt as well as the 

expansion of urban settlements, the transformation of the island 

took place. 

With gap artificially filled gradually since 20th Century, the island 

began to merge into mainland geographically. 

The port of Switzerland use this site as harbor since 1920s and 

excavated two inner harbor basins afterwards. The circulation 

of the city developed at the same time, Dreirosenbrüke was 

built in 1940s. 

The whole harbor area has stayed alomst the same since 

1940s till now. 







– 582 – – 583 – 



DRAFT 

Source: www.swisstopo.ch City Map 2011 1:25000 

Source: www.stadtplan.bs.ch 


Site Photos 

1 

3 

5 

7 


2 

4 

6 

8 

Airial View 1:10000 

– 584 – – 585 – 

5 

6 

7 

3 

4 

8 

2 

1 

DRAFT 

Source: map.google.ch 


Ongoing Projects 


Transformation of harbor area in city is currently a hot topic all over the world. There has been such discussion since 2003 

in Basel, the only Harbor City in Switzerland. 

Since 2012, the harbor is finally been replanned and will be translocated. As a result, the new vision 3land of the former 

site comes out as well as calling for interim use proposal. 

Harbor 

Railway 

– Food in Basel – – topic – 

OnGOinG PrOjects 

Harbor Area in 2011 Planned Harbor Area from 2012 

2012 2015 2020 

Zwischennutzung Klybeckquai 

Vision 3land 

Harbor Harbor 

Different Time and Space of Intervention of Two Projects: 3land and Interim Use Klybeckquai 

Harbor 

Expansion 

Harbor 

Railway 

– 82 – – 83 – 

Harbor 

Expansion 

Interim Use Klybeckquai 

Site of Compettion, Interim Use Klybeckquai 

(result will be announced in June 2012) 

– 586 – – 587 – 

Steiger für 

Hotelschiffe 

reserviert 

Steiger für 

Lotseneinstieg 

reserviert 

Promenade durch 

Zaun vom Rhein 

abgetrennt 

N 

135 m 

270 m 

Rhein 

Rhein 

0 50m 100m 

Rhein 

ExEsso 

ExEsso 

Migrol 

Abstellgleis für Güterwaggons von 05 - 19 Uhr 

Unterer Rheinweg 

Altrheinweg 

Westquaistrasse 

Altrheinweg 

Westquaistrasse 

Wiesendamm 

Klybeckstrasse 

Wiese 

Schlossgasse 

Inselstrasse 

Rheinhafen Kleinhüningen 1 

Ackerstrasse 

Uferpromenade ExEsso: vermietbare Fläche 

Wasserfläche ExEsso: periodisch nutzbare Fläche 

vorh. Anschlusspunkt mögl. Anschlusspunkte 

Rastatterstrasse 

Zwischennutzung Klybeckquai – Flächenangebot 

Kleinhüningerstrasse 

Altrheinweg 

philippe cabane_21-12-2011 

Holderstrasse 

3land 

Perspective, 3land 

Masterplan, 3land 

DRAFT 

Source: planungsamt.bs.ch 



PotentIal as InterIm urban Garden? 

– 588 – – 589 – 

DRAFT 


Soil quality 

The soil of the site in Basel is pseudogley. 

This soil is with a perched water table showing redoximorphic 

features caused by surface water. Pseudogley are periodically 

wet and mottled in the topsoil and subsoil, with or without 

concretions and/or bleaching. 

The agricultural suitability of it is limited because of its oxygen 

deficiency resulting from stagnating water above a dense subsoil. 

Therefore, they have to be drained. 

Which worth to be noticed is that due to long time industrial 

use, ground might be contaiminated. 

Temperature* 

Geographically, Basel belongs to Temperate Zone in terms of 

temperature and the yearly average temperature is around 

10 o C. 

The average temperature is 0 o C in January, 9 o C in april, 19 o C 

in July, 11oC in oCtober.the average temperature in vegetation 

period (from april to september) is 15oC and the yearly average 

temperature is around 10oC. Sun Exposure* 

The average time of sun exposure is 5.5h/day, average 

strength is 3000 kwh/m2 . 

These differ according to season, 2h/day and 800kwh/m2 ,in 

January, 5h/day in April and 3600kwh/m2 , 7h/day in July and 

5600 kwh/m2 , 3h/day and 2200 kwh/m2 in October. 


Ground at Site 

Average Temperature in One Year 

Source: REKLIP 

Precipitation* 

The average precipitation is 720mm annually. 

It changes mildly through one year, reach the climax in August 

and hit the bottom in December and January, 

Humidity* 

The average precipitation is 720mm annually. 

It changes temperately between 65% to 85% relative humidity. 

It peaked in December or January and valleyed in April. 

Summarily, the soil is not fit for plant production, 

if use site for agriculture, soil should be 

transported from other natural sites or specialized 

company such as Ökohum. 

The climate is good for most of the edible 

plants. 

– 590 – – 591 – 

Average Precipitation in One Year 

Average Humidity and Air Pressure in One Year 



DRAFT 

*All data is not from the site specifically, but from the nearest climate station. 


Site Plan 1:5000 

Potential of Interim Use? 


Rhenus 

Grisard 

ExEsso 

Gondrand 

SIte connects the settlement of Klybeck and Rhine, but used to be blocked from settlment. 

Major part is railway area, once the harbor translocate, it is going to be abandoned before 3land vision, 

ExEsso used to be a fuel oil company and has already been demolished, Migrol is also fuel oil company, at site are mainly the 

oil tanks for storage use which are being demolished now, estimately be finished in Aug.2012, 

Rhenus, Grisard, Gondrand are logistic companies, which need to be stayed at leat till 2015. 

What could 3-year interim use mean for food? Is there any food production potential in this site? Which food? 

Coul this site become urban garden? 

Migrol 

– 592 – – 593 – 

Novartis 

Site: Klybeck Island 

Mainly Harbor Railway 

Existing and Staying Construction 

Demolished and Being Demolished Construction 

DRAFT 


urban cultIVatIon oF Herb 


– 594 – – 595 – 

DRAFT 


Herb in a Chinese dish 

Introduction 

Definition of Herb 

Generally, herb has two different meaings according to Cambridge 

Dictionary. 

One is for botanically use, it means herbaceous plant, a plant 

lacking a permanent woody stem; regardless of its flavor, 

scent or other properties, and thus includes only grass-like 

plants and forb. 

The other one is for common use, it means a type of plant 

whose leaves are used in cooking to give flavour to particular 

dishes, or which are used in making medicine. 

In terms of food, here the author just take the definition of 

common use.Culinary used herb, specifically are food or drink 

additives of mostly botanical origin used for flavoring or coloring. 


Features of Herb 

Perishability 

Fresh herb leaves are considered perishable items mainly due 

to extremely high generated nitrite after harvesting. 

If not freshly used, It should keep in the vacuum package in 

refrigerator. This would keep it for 3-4 days. 

In order to let urban inhabitants to have fresh herbs, proximity 

to the city of herb production is one practical solution. 

Chinese chives fresh(u.) and after two days. 

Visual and Olfactory Quality 

Almost all the herbs provide different and pleasant visual and 

olfactory experiences, they have unique and elegant forms of 

leave as well as refreshing and fragrant smell. 

Hence some herbs are used in garden or bonsai for aesthetic 

appreciation and some are used in cosmetic or perfume industry. 

– 596 – – 597 – 

Economic Value 

In the city area, the shotage of usable land is always a problem. 

The herb production could efficiently use the land but can 

generate a relative high economic value, compare to other 

vegetables, fruits or meat production in terms of space they 

take and price per weight. 

Moreover, the herbs takes extreme shorter time to harvest, 

even 10 days for certain species. Some herbs can be harvested 

on and off for a whole year. So it fits well for interim use. 

Herb sold in Marktplatz,Basel 

Nutritional and Medicinal Effect 

The herb is also an indispensable element in many top-class 

dishes as well as takeaways. 

Besides the fact of garnishment and flavory, some herbs provide 

microelement and vitamin which is very healthy. such as 

basil is very rich in Vitamin K. 

Herbs are regulated just like a dietary supplement, some are 

full of antioxidants that maintain health and slow aging.Many 

herbs have medicinal effect. 

DRAFT 

Herb as decoration in wedding Source: westaussiewed- Herb pestled into medicinal use 

Source: http://healthxding.typepad.comwellness.com 


Historical Aspect 

Charlemagne once said “An herb is the friend of physicians 

and the praise of cooks.” 

Man has had a long and loving relationship with herbs.Herbs 

have been used since prehistoric times.Ancient Romans and 

Greeks crowned their leaders with dill and laurel. The Romans 

also used dill to purify the air. In the Middle Ages, herbs were 

often used to help preserve meat as well as covering the rotting 

taste of meals that couldn’t be refrigerated. 

Now the medicinal herb system is mainly based on Traditional 

Chinese Medicine (TCM), which can be dated back 2000 to 

3000 years. 

Many herbs are used differently in cuisine all over the world 

now and herb planting has a huge market potential. 

Herb in Switerland 

Though herbs have got a long history of naturally growing, for 

instance, idelweiss as a typical alpine herb, yet professional 

herb planting begins after 1900 in Switerland. 

Herb planting has increased in last 30 years but is still relative 

small scale. Currently there are 250 hectares of herb planting 

land and about 200 producers,mostly small and provide 

organic production. Total yield is c.a. 350 ton annualy. 

However, herbs are also very popular and wanted in Switzer- 

land, especially certain kinds such as basil, peppermint and 

sage etc. are very well selled. In order to satisfy the market demand, 

Switzerland import herbs from other countries,mostly 

in Europe. 


Laurel in Ancient Greek 

“An Outline Treatise of Medical Herbs”, 1578, China 

sources: http://photo.99ys.com 

Edelweiss in Switzerland 

source:http://www.rackcdn.com 

source:http://www.agrigate.ch 

Parameters of Herb 

Function 

Mophology 

Required condition 

This refers to demand on soil, water, temperature, sun exposure as well as labour work. 

Economic Value 

DRAFT 

Culinary herbs are almost all very expensive in Switzerland compared to other fruits or vegetables, but there is still apparent 

difference among them. 

– 598 – – 599 – 

Edible 

dishes/desserts 

sweets 

Medicinal Cosmetic 

Longevity 

Many culinary herbs are perennials such as thyme or lavender, while others are biennials such as parsley or annuals like basil. 

Scent & Flavour 

In terms of Scent or Taste, every herb has a unique one. 

tea wine oil 

cream/soap perfume essential oil 

Ornamental Spiritual Landscape Recreational 

Most Herbs are botanically herbs would grow to 20-90cm. Some perennial herbs are shrubs (such as rosemary), or trees (such 

as bay laurel), this contrasts with botanical herbs, which by definition cannot be woody plants. In terms of colour or size, every 

herb differs from each other. 


Incomplete List of Culinary Herbs 


Food or drink additives of mostly botanical origin used for flavoring or coloring. Fictional plants such as aglaophotis, or recreational 

herbs such as tobacco and marijuana, or purely medicinal or other used herbs such as valerian are not inclusive in the list. 

Spices which purely use the fruit, seeds or other parts than leaves of herb are also not inclusive. 

List (ordered alphabetically by name) 

e.g.Name (Botanical name) 

Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum) 

Alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria) 

Allspice (Pimenta dioica) 

Angelica (Angelica archangelica) 

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) 

Annatto (Bixa orellana) 

Apple mint (Mentha suaveolens) 

Asafoetida (Ferula assafoetida) 

Asarabacca (Asarum europaeum) 

Avens (Geum urbanum) 

Avocado leaf (Peresea americana) 

Basil, sweet (Ocimum basilicum) 

Basil, lemon (Ocimum × citriodorum) 

Basil, Thai (O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora) 

Basil, Holy (Ocimum tenuiflorum) 

Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) 

Boldo (Peumus boldus) 

Borage (Borago officinalis) 

Blue fenugreek, blue melilot (Trigonella caerulea) 

Calendula, pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) 

Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) 

Canelo, Winter’s Bark (Drimys winteri) 

Caraway (Carum carvi) 

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) 

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) 

Cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum) 

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) 

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) 

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) 

Cicely, sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata) 

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) 

Clary, Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) 

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) 

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) 

Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita) 

Cuban oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) 

Cudweed (Gnaphalium spp.) 

Culantro, culangot, long coriander (Eryngium foetidum) 

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) 

Dill (Anethum graveolens) 

Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) 

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) 

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) 

Fingerroot, krachai, temu kuntji (Boesenbergia rotunda) 

Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) 

Golpar, Persian hogweed (Heracleum persicum) 

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) 

Huacatay, Mexican marigold (Tagetes minuta) 

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) 

Indonesian bay leaf, daun salam (Syzygium polyanthum) 

Jimbu (Allium hypsistum) 

Kaffir lime leaves, Makrud lime leaves (Citrus hystrix) 

Kencur, galangal, kentjur (Kaempferia galanga) 

Keluak, kluwak, kepayang (Pangium edule) 

Koseret leaves (Lippia adoensis) 

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) 

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) 

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon spp.) 

Lemon ironbark (Eucalyptus staigeriana) 

Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) 

Lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) 

Lesser calamint (Calamintha nepeta) 

Licorice, liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) 

Mahlab, St. Lucie cherry (Prunus mahaleb) 

Malabathrum, tejpat (Cinnamomum tamala) 

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) 

Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) 

Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) 

Mint (Mentha spp.) 25 species, hundreds of varieties 

Mountain horopito (Pseudowintera colorata) 

Musk mallow, abelmosk (Abelmoschus moschatus) 

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) 

Njangsa, djansang (Ricinodendron heudelotii) 

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) 

Olida (Eucalyptus olida) 

Oregano (Origanum vulgare, other spiecies) 

Orris root (Iris germanica, I. florentina, I. pallida) 

Pandan leaf, screwpine (Pandanus amaryllifolius) 

Paracress (Spilanthes acmella, Soleracea) 

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) 

Perilla, shiso (Perilla spp.) 

Quassia (Quassia amara) 

Ramsons, wood garlic (Allium ursinum) 

Rice paddy herb (Limnophila aromatica) 

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) 

Rue (Ruta graveolens) 

Sage (Salvia officinalis) 

Salad burnet (Sanguisorba minor) 

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) 

– 600 – – 601 – 

Savory, summer (Satureja hortensis) 

Savory, winter (Satureja montana) 

Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) 

Sorrel, sheep (Rumex acetosella) 

Star anise (Illicium verum) 

Sumac (Rhus coriaria) 

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) 

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) 

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) 

Thyme, lemon (Thymus × citriodorus) 

Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) 

Vietnamese balm (Elsholtzia ciliata) 

Vietnamese coriander (Persicaria odorata) 

Watercress (Rorippa nasturtium-aquatica) 

Wild betel (Piper sarmentosum) (Southeast Asia) 

Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) 

Willow herb (Epilobium parviflorum) 

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) 

Wood avens, herb bennet (Geum urbanum) 

Woodruff (Galium odoratum) 

Wormwood, absinthe (Artemisia absinthium) 

Yerba buena (Micromeria douglasii) 

Zedoary (Curcuma zedoaria) 

DRAFT 


Species Study 

Basil 


The general selection would be 10 most common, available and main stream used culinary herbs in Switzerland, intersection 

of duopoly supermarkets in Switzerland(Migros and Coop), Marktplatz and Globus in Basel. 

Chive 

Coriander 

Dill 

Mint 

Oregano 

– 602 – – 603 – 

Parsley 

Sage 

Rosemary Thyme 

DRAFT 


Basil. Genus:Ocimum/Species:O. basilicum 

Basil is known as Saint Joseph’s 

Wort in some Englishspeaking 

countries,originally 

from India. Depending on 

the species and cultivar, the 

leaves may taste somewhat 

like anise, with a strong, 

pungent, often sweet smell. It 

grows up to 50-80 cm. 

Cultivation 

Source: http://biolib.de 

Basil is very sensitive to cold, with best growth in hot, dry 

conditions. It behaves as an annual if there is any chance of a 

frost. In Northern Europe, Canada, the northern states of the 

U.S., and the South Island of New Zealand it will grow best if 

sown under glass in a peat pot, then planted out in late spring/ 

early summer (when there is little chance of a frost). Additionally, 

it may be sown in soil once chance of frost is past. It fares 

best in a well-drained sunny spot.is ideal if available. They can 

be grown even in a basement, under fluorescent lights. 

Planting Calendar 


Culinary Use 

Basil is commonly used fresh in cooked recipes. In general, it 

is added at the last moment, as cooking quickly destroys the 

flavor. The fresh herb can be kept for a short time in plastic 

bags in the refrigerator, or for a longer period in the freezer, after 

being blanched quickly in boiling water. The dried herb also 

loses most of its flavor, and what little flavor remains tastes 

very different, with a weak coumarin flavor, like hay. 

Basil is one of the main ingredients in pesto, a green Italian 

oil-and-herb sauce. Its other main ingredients are olive oil, garlic, 

and pine nuts. 

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 

Seeding 

Blooming 

Harvest 

Medicinal Use 

Compounds in basil oil have potential for use in treating cancer.In 

addition, basil has been shown to decrease the occurrence 

of platelet aggregation. It is traditionally used for supplementary 

treatment of stress, asthma and diabetes in India. 

Other Uses 

Ornamental. 

Yield/Price 

Yield of fresh leaves per year is 

1.5-2.5 kg/sqm. 

Price of fresh leaves is around 

11 Fr./100g, in a normal Swiss Supermarket (Migros/Coop) 

14 Fr./100g, in a top-class Supermarket (Globus Delicatessa) 

Price of plant is around 

40 Fr./100g, together with pot, in Marktplatz Basel. 

Price of processed leaves(dried) is around 

36 Fr./100g, in a normal Swiss Supermarket (Migros/Coop). 

Chive. Genus:Allium/Species:A. schoenoprasum 

Chive is the smallest 

species of the edible onions. 

A perennial plant, they are native 

to Europe, Asia and North 

America.Allium schoenoprasum 

is the only species of 

Allium native to both the New 

and the Old World. It grows 

up to 20-30cm. 

Cultivation 

Chives thrive in well drained soil, rich in organic matter, with a 

pH of 6-7 and full sun. 

Chives can be grown from seed and mature in summer, or 

early the following spring. Typically, chives need to be germinated 

at a temperature of 15 °C to 20 °C (60 °F-70 °F) and kept 

moist. They can also be planted under a cloche or germinated 

indoors in cooler climates, then planted out later. After at least 

four weeks, the young shoots should be ready to be planted 

out. 



– 604 – – 605 – 

Seeding 

Blooming 

Harvest 

Source: http://pharm1.pharmazie.unigreifswald.de/ 

Culinary Use 

Chives are grown for their leaves, which are used for culinary 

purposes as flavoring herb, and provide a somewhat milder 

flavour than those of their neighbouring Allium species. 

Chives have a wide variety of culinary uses, such as in traditional 

dishes in France and Sweden, among others. In his 

1806 book Attempt at a Flora (Försök til en flora), Retzius describes 

how chives are used with pancakes, soups, fish and 

sandwiches.They are also an ingredient of the gräddfil sauce 

served with the traditional herring dish served at Swedish 

midsummer celebrations. The flowers may also be used to 

garnish dishes. In Poland chives are served with quark cheese. 

Medicinal Use 

Containing numerous organosulfur compounds such as allyl 

sulfides and alkyl sulfoxides, chives are reported to have 

a beneficial effect on the circulatory system. They also have 

mild stimulant, diuretic, and antiseptic properties. 

Other Uses 

pest discourager 

Yield/Price 


5-6 kg/sqm. 


8.5 Fr./100g, in a normal Swiss Supermarket (Migros/Coop) 






Price of processed leaves(dried and milled,top-class) is 


DRAFT 


Coriander. Genus:Coriandrum/Species:C. sativum 

Coriander is an annual 

herb in the family Apiaceae. 

It is a soft, hairless plant 

growing to 50 centimetres 

tall. The leaves are variable in 

shape, broadly lobed at the 

base of the plant, and slender 

and feathery higher on the 

flowering stems. The flowers 

are borne in small umbels, 

white or very pale pink, asymmetrical. 

Cultivation 

Coriander is a cold-resisting herb, cold and humid environmental 

conditions more demanding, and poor growth in the 

environment with high temperature and drought conditions. 

Coriander is a low-temperature, long-sunshine plants. Under 

normal conditions, the seedlings in the low temperature of 

5 degrees, after 10 to 20 days to be completed by vernalization. 

Later under long-sunshine conditions, photoperiod and 

bolting. 




Seeding 

Blooming 

Harvest 


Culinary Use 

All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the 

dried seeds are the parts most commonly used in cooking. 

Coriander is common in South Asian, Middle Eastern, Central 

Asian, Mediterranean, Indian, Tex-Mex, Latin American, Portuguese, 

Chinese, African, and Scandinavian cuisine. 

The leaves are variously referred to as coriander leaves, fresh 

coriander, Chinese parsley, or cilantro (in America, from the 

Spanish name for the plant). 

The fresh leaves are an ingredient in many South Asian foods 

(such as chutneys and salads), in Chinese dishes, in Mexican 

cooking, particularly in salsa and guacamole and as a garnish, 

and in salads in Russia and other CIS countries. sed in European 

cuisine today. 

Medicinal Use 

It contains antioxidants, which can delay or prevent the spoilage 

of food seasoned with this spice, also a traditional treatment 

for diabetes. Coriander has been used as a folk medicine 

for the relief of anxiety and insomnia in Iran. 

Yield/Price 


4.2 kg/sqm. 








Dill. Genus:Anethum/Species:A. graveolens 

Dill is, depending on where 

it is grown, either a perennial 

or annual herb. It grows to 

40–60 cm, with slender stems 

and alternate, finely divided, 

softly delicate leaves 10–20 

cm long. The ultimate leaf 

divisions are 1–2 mm broad, 

slightly broader than the similar 

leaves of fennel. 

Cultivation 

Successful cultivation requires warm to hot summers with 

high sunshine levels; even partial shade will reduce the yield 

substantially. It also prefers rich, well drained soil. 

The seed is harvested by cutting the flower heads off the 

stalks when the seed is beginning to ripen. The seed heads 

are placed upside down in a paper bag and left in a warm, dry 

place for a week. The seeds then separate from the stems 

easily for storage in an airtight container. 



– 606 – – 607 – 

Seeding 

Blooming 

Harvest 

Source: http://biolib.de/ 

Culinary Use 

Consumption of fish or meat often used it for cooking, to 

remove the smell, the addition is also used in soups, pickles, 

bread and pickled food. 

Its fruits and seeds, harvest when not yet riped, can be used 

to refine into oil consumption or make the spice. It can also 

be dried to storage and consume; its leaves as a vanilla material, 

can be eaten fresh. Dry processing of leaves smell a good 

fragrance, very commonly used in fish cooking. 

Medicinal Use 

Dill can be used to treat headaches, stomach and intestines to 

eliminate bad breath. For patients who have diseases such as 

diabetes and hypertension, it add flavor to alkaline salt dishes. 

It has effects of letting the anxious infants calmed down and 

so on. 

Other Uses 

spritual 

Yield/Price 


0.3-0.6 kg/sqm. 








DRAFT 


Mint. Genus:Mentha* 

Mint is aromatic, almost 

exclusively perennial, rarely 

annual, herb. They have widespreading 

underground and 

overground stolons and erect, 

square, branched stems. The 

leaves are arranged in opposite 

pairs, from oblong to lanceolate, 

often downy, and with 

a serrate margin. Leaf colors 

range from dark green and 

gray-green to purple, blue, and 

sometimes pale yellow. 

Cultivation 

All mints prefer, and thrive in, cool, moist spots in partial 

shade.In general, mints tolerate a wide range of conditions, 

and can also be grown in full sun. 

They are fast growing, extending their reach along surfaces 

through a network of runners. Due to their speedy growth, 

one plant of each desired mint, along with a little care, will 

provide more than enough mint for home use. 

Harvesting of mint leaves can be done at any time. Fresh mint 

leaves should be used immediately or stored up to a couple 

of days in plastic bags within a refrigerator. 




Seeding 

Blooming 

Harvest 


Culinary Use 

The leaf, fresh or dried, is the culinary source of mint. Fresh 

mint is usually preferred over dried mint when storage of the 

mint is not a problem. The leaves have a pleasant warm, fresh, 

aromatic, sweet flavor with a cool aftertaste. Mint leaves 

are used in teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies, and ice 

creams. In Middle Eastern cuisine, mint is used on lamb dishes, 

while in British cuisine and American cuisine, mint sauce 

and mint jelly are used, respectively. 

Medicinal Use 

Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach 

ache and chest pains, and it is commonly used in the form of 

tea as a home remedy to help alleviate stomach pain. 

Other Uses 

pest discourager/cosmetics/perfumes 

Yield/Price 


2 kg/sqm. 






*This page describe the general feature of all species of mint and of peppermint. 

Oregano. Genus:Origanum/Species:O. vulgare 

Oregano is a perennial 

herb, growing from 20–80 cm 

tall, with opposite leaves 1–4 

cm long. Oregano will grow 

in a pH range between 6.0 

(mildly acid) and 9.0 (strongly 

alkaline) with a preferred 

range between 6.0 and 8.0. 

The flowers are purple, 3–4 

mm long, produced in erect 

spikes. 

Cultivation 

Oregano needs only a moderately fertile soil to thrive in, 

though drainage and friability are important. Plant outdoors 

12 inches apart after all danger of frost has passed. Plants are 

easily started from seed, stem cuttings, or mature root division. 

Oregano appreciates being hoed regularly and neighboring 

weeds should be kept under control. Mulching with hay 

helps keep plants clean outdoors. Oregano lends itself well to 

container and hydroponic methods of cultivation. 



– 608 – – 609 – 

Seeding 

Blooming 

Harvest 

Source: http://biolib.de/ 

Culinary Use 

Oregano is an important culinary herb, used for the flavor 

of its leaves, which can be more flavourful when dried than 

fresh. It has an aromatic, warm and slightly bitter taste, which 

can vary in intensity. Good quality oregano may be strong 

enough almost to numb the tongue, but the cultivars adapted 

to colder climates often have a lesser flavor. Factors such as 

climate, seasons and soil composition may affect the aromatic 

oils present, and this effect may be greater than the differences 

between the various species of plants. 

Oregano’s most prominent modern use is as the staple herb 

of Italian-American cuisine. 

Medicinal Use 

It can be diuretic and improve the appetite and digestion. It 

has antibacterial effect and the strongest antioxidant function 

among all vegetibles.It can be used to treat fever, headache, 

body drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms. 

Yield/Price 


1.1 kg/sqm. 








DRAFT 


Parsley. Genus:Petroselinum/Species:P. crispum 

Parsley is a bright green, 

hairless, biennial, herbaceous 

plant in temperate climates, 

or an annual herb in subtropical 

and tropical areas. It offers 

protection even in its first year 

as the strong scent of the 

parsley leaves appear to mingle 

with the tomato scent and 

confuses the tomato moth. It 

grows up to 30-100 cm. 

Cultivation 

Parsley grows best in moist, well drained soil, with full sun. 

It grows best between 22–30 °C, and is usually grown from 

seed. Germination is slow, taking four to six weeks, and often 

difficult because of furanocoumarins in its seed coat.Plants 

grown for the leaf crop are typically spaced 10 cm apart, while 

those grown as a root crop are typically spaced 20 cm apart 

to allow for the root development. 




Seeding 

Blooming 

Harvest 


Culinary Use 

Parsley is widely used in Middle Eastern, European, and 

American cooking. Curly leaf parsley is often used as a garnish. 

In central and eastern Europe and in western Asia, many 

dishes are served with fresh green chopped parsley sprinkled 

on top. Green parsley is often used as a garnish on potato 

dishes (boiled or mashed potatoes), on rice dishes (risotto or 

pilaf), on fish, fried chicken, lamb or goose, steaks, meat or 

vegetable stews (like beef bourguignon, goulash or chicken 

paprikash). 

Medicinal Use 

It is Hypotensive, diuresis. It has also the substanse of anticancer. 

Due to its iron element, it can enrich and tonify the 

blood. 

Other Uses 

Pest discourager. 

Yield/Price 


0.25-0.75 kg/sqm. 





40 Fr./100g, together with pot(50 sqcm), in Marktplatz Basel. 



Price of processed leaves(dried and milled) is 


Rosemary. Genus:Rosmarinus/Species:R. officinalis 

Rosemary is a woody, 

perennial herb with fragrant, 

evergreen, needle-like leaves 

and white, pink, purple or blue 

flowers, native to the Mediterranean 

region. 

It is an aromatic evergreen 

shrub that has leaves similar 

to pine needles. the upright 

forms can reach 1.5 m tall. 

Cultivation 

Since it is attractive and drought tolerant, Rosemary is used 

as an ornamental plant in gardens and for xeriscape landscaping, 

especially in regions of Mediterranean climate. It is considered 

easy to grow and pest-resistant. Rosemary can grow 

quite large and retain attractiveness for many years, can be 

pruned into formal shapes and low hedges and has been used 

for topiary. It is easily grown in pots. The groundcover cultivars 

spread widely, with a dense and durable texture. 




Seeding 

Blooming 

Harvest DRAFT 

– 610 – – 611 – 

Culinary Use 

The leaves, both fresh and dried, are used in traditional Mediterranean 

cuisine. They have a bitter, astringent taste and are 

highly aromatic, which complements a wide variety of foods. 

A tisane can be made from the leaves. When burnt, they give 

off a mustard-like smell and a smell similar to burning wood, 

which can be used to flavor foods while barbecuing. Rosemary 

is high in iron, calcium and vitamin B6, 317 mg, 6.65 

mg and 0.336 mg per 100 g, respectively. Rosemary extract 

has been shown to improve the shelf life and heat stability of 

omega 3-rich oils, which are prone to rancidity. 

The herb is also widely used in Turkish, Palestinian, Lebanese, 

Egyptian, Syrian, Greek, Portuguese, Spanish, Philippine and 

Latin American cuisines. 

Medicinal Use 

Eliminate bloating, enhance memory, refreshing, reduce 

headaches, colds, abdominal distension, obesity is its main 

effects. 

Conditioning oily and unclean skin, promote blood circulation 

and stimulate hair regrowth(maternal fasting). 

Other Uses 

ornamental/cosmetic 

Yield/Price/Planting schedule 


1.2-1.5 kg/sqm. 









Sage(Common Sage) Genus:Salvia/Species:S. officinalis 

Sage is a perennial, evergreen 

subshrub, with woody 

stems, grayish leaves, and 

blue to purplish flowers. 

Cultivars are quite variable 

in size, leaf and flower color, 

and foliage pattern, with many 

variegated leaf types. 

Cultivation 

It needs adequate sunshine and good ventilation, well-drained 

sandy loam or the deep loam. 

Seeding 3-5 tablets per hole directly, germinate after a week 

or won strains up to 5-10CM to be thinning seedlings. Spacing 

of 20-30CM. Prune after the adult can increase the distance 

again, in order to have more vigorous growth. The light intensity 

of different varieties of sage is not the same which should 

be taken care of. 




Seeding 

Blooming 

Harvest 


Culinary Use 

Sage smells fragrant and tastes spicy, bitter and astringent 

is (mouth feel furry). The spice is used for meat dishes, poultry, 

sausages, fish and herb cheese. Particularly fatty foods 

to sage fits well because it promotes the wholesome diet of 

heavy sage is one of the few herbs that can also use dried 

well. 

Raw and finely chopped sage leaves are suitable for fish and 

chicken fillings, to flavor soups and vegetables, it is used. 

It is a classic herb in all Germany, especially in sausage and 

sagecake which is against drunkenness. In British cooking, it 

is used for flavoring fatty meats, Sage Derby cheese, poultry 

or pork stuffing, Lincolnshire sausage, and in sauces. Sage is 

also used in Italian cooking, in the Balkans, and the Middle 

East. It is one of the major herbs used in the traditional turkey 

stuffing for the Thanksgiving Day dinner in the United States. 

Medicinal Use 

It could heal irregular menstruation; dysmenorrhea.It could 

also work as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease patients. 

Sage leaf extract may be effective and safe in the treatment 

of hyperlipidemia. 

Other Uses 

cosmetic/perfume 

Yield/Price 


3-4 kg/sqm. 








Thyme(Common Thyme) Genus:Thymus/Species:T. vulgaris 

Thyme is a perential low 

growing herbaceous plant, 

sometimes becoming somewhat 

woody. 

It typically grows as a subshrub, 

between 15 and 20 

cm tall. 

stems are narrow, evergreen 

woody and branchy. 

Cultivation 

Thyme is best cultivated in a hot, sunny location with welldrained 

soil. It is generally planted in the spring, and thereafter 

grows as a perennial. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, 

or by dividing rooted sections of the plant. It tolerates 

drought well. The plants can take deep freezes and are found 

growing wild on mountain highlands.It has a seed germination 

time of 12-20 days, ripening time of 90-10 days, flowering 

take place in summer. 



– 612 – – 613 – 

Seeding 

Blooming 

Harvest 


Culinary Use 

Thyme is widely used in cooking. The herb is a basic ingredient 

in Levantine country cuisine and others which derives 

from it. 

Thyme is often used to flavour meats, soups and stews. It has 

a particular affinity to and is often used as a primary flavour 

with lamb, tomatoes and eggs. Thyme, while flavourful, does 

not overpower and blends well with other herbs and spices. 

In some Levantine countries, and Assyrian, the condiment 

za’atar (Arabic for thyme) contains thyme as a vital ingredient. 

It is a common component of the bouquet garni, and of 

herbes de Provence. 

Medicinal Use 

It contains a powerful disinfectant called thymol that is effective 

against bacteria and fungi.Thymol also acts as a expectorant, 

loosening phlegm in the respiratory tract so it can be 

coughed up. Doctors prescribed the oil externally as an antiseptic 

for fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. 

Other Uses 

ornamental/perfume 

Yield/Price 


3 kg/sqm. 








DRAFT 


Synthesis Matrix of Main Parameters 

Species Selection 


After synthesis and comparison of main parameters(each parameter considered equally), a selection is drawed. 

The first priority group would be Rosemary, Thyme, Mint, 

The second priority group would be Sage and Chive. 

No plant listed in the chart could not absolutely adapted into site, so other 5 Species would also be planted with small amount in 

order to have relative bio-diversity, also to satisfy needs other than pure economically production such as exhibition and education 

to public. 

During specific planning, attention should also be paid to facts such as companion plants and seasonal interventions. 

First and Second Priority Group 

Companion Herbs 

Among these 10 herbs, there are two companion plants 

group, which should be planted together, because they help 

each other grow. Mint is a relativ non/compan 

Seasonal Interventions 

Some herbs need more care in winter or summer due to less 

hardiness. The seasonal intervention is mainly to use light 

structure to provide shade or warmness. 

– 614 – – 615 – 

Rosemary 

Rosemary 

Parsley Basil 

Parsley 

Sage 

Sage 

Chive 

Thyme 

Chive Mint 

Thyme Oregano 

Basil 

DRAFT 


Container as Cultivation Method 

Pots in Hirtenweg Nursery, Basel Box Roof Garden, Basel 


Herbs does not take up much space and soil, therefore it It fits perfectly well into pots or other small scaled containers which 

is also relative light. 

This provide great convinience for the installation, management, distribution as well as translocation after three years of use. 

Given consideration of the current site, Interim and mobile feature is just what is required. 

There are a lot of variety in small containers which has different specialty. Author categorize them into 6 main types. 

Standard Pots 

The very normal way of cultivating herbs, the volume of pots 

differs a bit, the most common one for herb is 3000cm3 . One 

plant per pot, standard makes it most suitable for appreciation 

or selling. 

Burlap Sacks Source: http://matadornetwork.com/ Cans Hanged as Container Source: http://matadornetwork.com/ 

Sack 

Commonly, plant-used soil is pacaged and sold in burlap 

sacks. Direct use is very convenient. 

Source: http://nutzdach.ch 

Box 

Boxes are larger than standard pots, are more like divided 

plots of natural field for plants. 

Hangable Container 

These hangable metal cans can be hanged that take fully advantages 

of the wall, and create a vertical spacial vision. 

Cooking Pots 

– 616 – – 617 – 

Tyre 

Recycling Container 

No matter they are shopping carts or cooking pots, people 

who using them as herb container share the same idea, that 

is recycling, mostly household articles. 

Waggon as large platform for plants growing is relative a new 

idea, it has feature of moblie and decoration of vehicles as well 

as the route the vehicle stayed or passed. 

Source: http://matadornetwork.com/ Wading Pool 

Source: http://matadornetwork.com/ 


Truck as Plating Field, USA Carriage as Plating Field, USA 

Waggon 

Cart 


Source: http://matadornetwork.com/ Source: http://matadornetwork.com/ 

DRAFT 


Container Selection 


In the selection of containers, the dominant factors is economic, light, efficient and convinient. In one word, it has to fit the 

interim character well. Considering about the convinience of direct transplanting, transportation( could be fit into standard tray 

which makes it even easier) and selling, standard pot (50 cm3 )should be a prior choice,applied with dominant quantities. Taking 

advantage of the current site, box should be a second choice. 

However, the other means could also be used with very small quantities, to satisfy other needs besides pure aim of agricultural 

yield, education and exhibition for instance. Especially the few railway wagons could be remained as container in order to 

remind people the former utility and character of this site. 

Standard Pots in Tray Plants in SBB Cargo Box 

Unused Waggon at Site 

Source: http://nutzdach.ch 

– 618 – – 619 – 

DRAFT 


Herb Harbor 


– 620 – – 621 – 

DRAFT 


Strategies 

Program 

Connection to Neighborhood 


Herb Production 

Herb Production on Roof of Existing Buildings 

Unchanged Site 

Herb Promenade 

Herb Market and Gastronomy Use 

Herb Management 

Visual Diversity Scheme Promenade-Axis 

Visual Diversity Scheme Block-Axis 

– 622 – – 623 – 

DRAFT 


Strategies 

Route Strategy 

Distribution Path of Herb Products 


Existing tracks converted into circulation 

River bank and existing urban street developed into promenades 

Irrigation Strategy 

– 624 – – 625 – 

Sprinkler 

Part of City Water Supply System 

Connection Point 

Pipes and Angle-controllable Sprinklers for Ground Irrigation 

Water Supply System in Basel Source: http://iwb.ch 

DRAFT 


Masterplan 1:5000 


Herb Production: 

Rosemary, Sage and Thyme 

Basil, Oregano 

Coriander 

Dill 

Parsley 

Mint 

Chive 

– 626 – – 627 – 

Herb Market and Process Shop 

Herb-featured Restaurant 

Herb along Promenade(all species in box) 

Management 

Unchanged Part 

DRAFT 


Basil 

Chives 

Coriander 

Dill 

Mint 

Oregano 

Parsley 

Rosemary 

Sage 

Thyme 

Seasonal Scenarios 


Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 

Impression Spring 

Most herbs have slightly enter the declining 

harvest period. Some of them have flower 

buds, ready for blossom. 

Color, 

Background is green, 

a bit cream, light yellow then comes rosy. 

Aroma, 

Topnote: basil, light sweet 

Basenote: thyme, light lime. 

Impression Autumn 

All herbs’ flower have faded away, part of 

the herbs have entre the high yield time. 

Great time for intensive seeding. 

Color, 

pure light green 

Aroma, 

Topnote: basil 

Basenote: sage and rosemary, sweet and bit 

punge. 

Impression Summer 

All herbs are joining the blooming group 

in turn. Field becomes much more colorful, 

covered with vivid outlook. Most began to 

wither in this period, short blooming period 

then ended. 

Color, 

Background is light green, 

larked with blue, purple and a bit yellow. 

Aroma, 

Topnote: mint, fresh 

Basenote: mixed light fragrance. 

Impression Winter 

Majority of the herbs have taller stems in 

this high yield period. 

Color, 

All sorts of green, dark 

Aroma, 

Topnote: basil, mint and coriander 

Basenote: thyme mixed with other scents, 

sweet and little acridness. 

Sequence of Blossom from 

January to July... 

Jan: Rosemary flower 

Feb: Pasley flower 

Mar: Chive flower 

Mar: Coriander flower 

May: Thyme flower 

– 628 – – 629 – 

Jun: Dill flower 

Jun: Mint flower 

Jul: Basil flower 

Jul: Oregano flower 

DRAFT 

Jun: Sage flower 


Airial View, Jul. 2013 

Airial View, Feb. 2014 


Perspective Northwest, Jul. 2013 

Perspective Northwest, Feb. 2014 

– 630 – – 631 – 

DRAFT 


Yield and Economic Value 

The whole yield of the field is about 77ton 

and the corresponding economic value is 

11.54 Mio.CHF. Deducted from the estimation 

of general cost 5.74 Mio.CHF, the Profit 

would be 5.8 Mio.Fr. 

It create about 35 Mio. CHF in the whole interim 

use period. 

15.0 

12.5 

10.0 

7.5 

5.0 

2.5 

0 

5.5 

14.0 

8.5 

2.5 

Yearly Production Oreganoof Fresh Parsley Herb Rosemaryin Ton Sage Thyme 

Yearly Economic Value in Mio.CHF. 

Beyond the Yield 

12.0 

Basil Chive Coriander Dill Mint Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Thyme 

5.5 

3.0 

7.0 

Basil Chive Coriander Dill Mint 

9.0 

10.0 


Instead of waste this urban area for 3 years, efficiently interim use could bring great economic 

profit to the city and people(depending on the business mode such as Community Support Agriculture). 

However, that is not the only meaning or aim of this project. By initialize this interim urban garden, 

the inhabitants in Metrobasel have better chance to get benefit from fresh and local herb 

products, which is flavory, nutritional and even medicinal in their daily dishes. 

In terms of urban environment, It also create a unique landscape between the Rhine and Klybeck 

settlements, between city centre and border of the city, it ameliorate the natural environment for 

the city and inhabitants, even for tourists, has effects of purifying air etc. 

Sociologically, it has great meaning as being a place of exhibition, education as well, young 

people will benefit from it especially. 

Biologically, it could generate local-adapted new species through the cultivation process, which 

on one hand could be used in further scientific research, on the other hand contributes to the 

bio-diversity and also the whole biological environment of Metrobasel region. 

2.000 

1.600 

1.200 

0.800 

0.400 

0 

0.825 

1.540 

1.190 

Profit (Mio. CHF) 

0.375 

1.800 

0.825 

0.450 

1.680 

1.550 

1.500 

Basil Chive Coriander Dill Mint Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Thyme 

Basil Chive Coriander Dill Mint 

Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Thyme 

Urban Character and Popularization 

To summarize, herb has several features such as perishablility, high economical value in short 

period, effcient land use and cultivation, multifuction etc. together with interim and mobile of 

cultivation method, which we could see as an urban character. 

As a form of agriculture, It fits well to the urban environment. 

Nowadays,during the urban transformation all over the world, there are many areas within or 

near the citys has the similar potential, this interim urban garden could be set as a prototype to 

popolarize. 

Potential Areas within or near Basel Stadt 

– 632 – – 633 – 

DRAFT 



DRAFT 

Perspective of Promenade © ETH Studio Basel 

– 634 – – 635 –

– Food in Basel II – – Allotments – 

– 636 – – 637 – 


FROM allOtMeNts 

tOWaRds URBaN GaRdeNs 

DRAFT 




Jonas Wirth 







FROM allOtMeNts 

tOWaRds URBaN GaRdeNs 

INTRODUCTION 

OVERVIEW BASEL 

Production of Food in Allotment Gardens 

History and Todays Political Question 

Overview of Areas in Basel 

Organisation of Allotment Garden Areas 

Allotment Gardener Portraits 

RANKHOF-HÖRNLI 

Analysis of the Area 

Portrait FGV Bettingerweg, FGV Landauer, FGV Hörnli 

Planning and the existing Approach of a Park 

SOME STRATEGICAL THOUGHTS 

Problem of Privacy and Public Space 

From Allotment towards Urban Gardens 

CONCLUSION 

– 638 – – 639 – 

DRAFT 


INTRODUCTION 


dieses Kapitel behandelt die thematik der Freizeitgärten in der stadt Basel. auf Grund der semesterorganisation 

wurde die arbeit an diesem thema vier Wochen vor semesterende abgebrochen, um 

das Kapitel „towards a Food-Masterplan“ zu erarbeiten. 

deshalb endet diese Kapitel nicht mit einem konkreten Vorschlag, sondern mit der entwicklung einer 

möglichen strategie zum Umgang mit Gärten innerhalb des stadtgebiets. dabei wird die heutige 

struktur der Familiengärten in Frage gestellt um eine mehr flexible, den austausch fördernde und 

der Öffentlichkeit zugänglicheren Form von Freizeitgärten zu entwickeln. 

– 640 – – 641 – 

DRAFT 


OVERVIEW BASEL 


die stadt Basel verwaltet gegen 6‘000 Freizeitgarten Parzellen mit einer grösse von jeweils 2 aren. 

die Gartenareale, jeweils durch einen Verein definiert, können in der Grösse stark differieren. es gibt 

kleine areale mit einer Handvoll Gärten und kaum zu überblickende arealkonglomerate mit weit 

über tausend Gärten. diese areale liegen meist an der stadtgrenze. In früheren arbeiten des etH 

studio Basels wurden diese areale jeweils als „urban Voids“ oder Blockaden bezeichnet. 

– 642 – – 643 – 

DRAFT 


FGV Landauer, April 2012 

Production of Food in 

Allotment Gardens 

Obwohl heute keine Pflicht zur Pflanzung von Gemüse und 

Früchte mehr besteht, weisen die meisten Gärten einen hohen 

Anteil an Gartenbaufläche aus, die zum Anbau genutzt 

werden. 

Es gibt keine Erhebung darüber wie viel in den Gärten an Lebensmitteln 

produziert wird. Man kann jedoch davon ausgehen, 

dass an einem Garten im Durchschnitt ein Haushalt von 

zwei Personen beteiligt ist und sich dieser mit genügend Gemüse 

selbst versorgt kann. So können werden gegen 12`000 

Personen mit frischem Gemüse aus Freizeitgärten versorgt. 

Verrechnet mit der durchschnittlichen täglichen Ernährung ergibt 

sich ein gesamtes Produktionsvolumen von über 1`000 

Tonnen Gemüse pro Jahr in Basler Freizeitgärten. 


So haben gut 6% der Basler Bevölkerung Zugang zu frischem, 

DRAFT 

unmittelbar vor der Haustür produzierten Produkten aus «eigenem» 

Garten. FGV Hörnli, April 2012 

– 644 – – 645 – 

FGV Hörnli, April 2012 


History and Todays Political Question 

Wie eine Bittschrift von 1596 belegt wurden schon im Mittelalter 

gepachtete Gärten in den Stadtgräben von finanziell 

ärmeren Familien bestellt. Weiter sind Aufnahmen von 1858 

bekannt, die Gärten in den Stadtgräben zeigen. Erst ab 1909 

durch den «Frauenverein zur Hebung der Sittlichkeit» und 

1910 durch die «Gesellschaft für das Gute und Gemeinnützige 

(GGG)» wurde die Thematik von Schrebergärten institutionell 

aufgegriffen. Auf Grund der grossen Nachfrage nach Gärten 

während des ersten Weltkrieges übernimmt die Stadt erstmals 

1915 die Verwaltung von Pflanzland für Kleingärtner. Um 

1919 gab es um 10`000 Pflanzgärten. 1926 tritt die erste Gartenordnung 

in Kraft. 

Die grösste Nachfrage nach Gärten wurden während Krisen, 

den beiden Weltkriegen verzeichnet. Nach dem zweiten Weltkrieg 

sank die Anzahl der Gärten von damals 8`000 auf heute 

rund 6`000 Gärten. Bis zu Beginn des 21. Jahrhunderts war 

jedoch die Nachfrage stets hoch. Erst in den letzten Jahren 

hat diese Nachfrage nachgelassen: langen Wartelisten gibt es 

heute kaum noch. Die Fluktuation ist hoch, Leerstände gibt es 

aber kaum. 

Seit den 70er Jahren werden die Bestimmungen zur Bepflanzung 

der Gärten nach und nach gelockert. Die offizielle 

Bezeichnung der Gärten wechselte von Pflanzland zu Familiengärten 

und heute zu Freizeitgärten. Eine Bepflanzung mit 

Gemüse oder Früchten ist heute nicht mehr vorgeschrieben. 

In den letzten 10 Jahren wurden die grossen Gartenareale 

öfters Blockaden und als Potential einer möglichen Stadtentwicklung 

bezeichnet (ETH Studio Basel, Metrobasel GmbH). 

Einige grössere Areale sollten im Zusammenhang mit der laufenden 

Zonenplanrevision zugunsten von Wohnraum aufgehoben 

werden. 

Dies führte zu einem Wiederstand seitens der Freizeitgärtner, 

welcher sich in einer Volkinitiative manifestierte. Mit der Annahme 

des Gegenvorschlags der Regierung durch die Basler 

Stimmbevölkerung müssen nun 80% der Areale auf Stadtboden 

erhalten bleiben und in einer neu zu schaffende Zone für 

Freizeitgärten im Zonenplan festgelegt werden. 


1936, Familiengärten Holeestrasse (Staatsarchiv Basel) 

1938, Gärten Schönaustrasse (Staatsarchiv Basel) 

1942, Anbauschlacht, Kreuzgang Münster (Staatsarchiv Basel) 

1942, Anbauschlacht, Steinengraben (Staatsarchiv Basel) 

– 646 – – 647 – 

Übersichtsplan Pflanzgärten um 1945 (Source: Stadtgärtnerei Basel) 

DRAFT 



Gärten im Gellert um 1950 (Source: Stadtgärtnerei Basel) 

FGV Milchsuppe und Basel-West um 1950 (Stadtgärtnerei) 

– 648 – – 649 – 

Gellert 2011 (Source: Google Maps) 

DRAFT 

FGV Milchsuppe und Basel-West 2011 (Source: Google Maps) 


Overview of Areas in Basel 

Freizeitgärten in Basel liegen meist unmittelbar in Gebieten 

die durch spezifische Grenzsituationen geprägt sind. So zum 

Beispiel die beiden grösseren Gebiete Basel West, wo ein 

Grossteil der Gärten sich auf französischem Territorium befinden, 

oder das Gebiet Rankhof - Hörnli, zwischen Basel und 

Riehen in unmittelbarer Nähr zum Grenzübergang Grenzach- 

Wyhlen, wo sich die grösste Ansammlung von Gärten auf Basler 

Boden befindet. Viele Gärten befinden sich nicht auf dem 

Gebiet des Kanton Basel-Stadt und sind im Nahen Umland in 

Frankreich und dem Kanton Basel-Land gelegen. 


4 

3 

2 

1 

– 650 – – 651 – 

7 

6 

5 

8 

9 

16 

11 

16 

10 

12 

13 14 

15 

1 FGV Milchsuppe 

2 FGV Basel-West, FGV Reibertweg, 

FGV Lachenweg, FGV St-Louis 

3 FGV Spalen-Hegenheimermattweg 

4 FGV Paradies, FGV Eigene Scholle 

5 FGV Thiersteinerrain 

6 FGV Zu den 3 Häusern, 

FGV Auf der Alp 

7 FGV Klosterfiechten 

8 FGV Förlinsrain 

9 FGV Dreispitz 

10 FGV Hagnau 

11 FGV Spitalmatten-Habermatten 

12 FGV Bäumlihof 

13 FGV Landauer 

DRAFT 

14 FGV Hörnli 

15 FGV Bettingerweg 

16 FGV Rankhof 



FGV Spitalmatten-Habermatten FGV Bettingerweg 

FGV Milchsuppe, FGV Basel-West 

– 652 – – 653 – 

DRAFT 

FGV Dreispitz 


public authority 

Landowners 

Einwohnergemeinde Basel-Stadt 

Bürgerspital 

Kanton Basel-Landschaft 

Christoph Merian-Stiftung 

Industrielle Werke Basel 

Deutsche Bundesbahn 

level city 

Administration 

Stadtgärtnerei, Abteilung Familiengärten 

3 full time jobs and 1 trainee 

Tenant 

Tenant 

Tenant 

Tenant 

Tenant 

Tenant 

Organisation of Allotment Garden 

Areas in Basel by Stadtgärtnerei 

Die Organisation und Administration der Basler Freizeitgärten 

ist kompliziert, äusserst unflexibel und ermöglicht kaum Neuerungen. 

Jeder Pächter hat ein direktes Vertragsverhältnis mit 

der Stadt einerseit, ist anderseits aber auch Mitglied des jeweiligen 

Pächervereins ein Areals. Auf Grund dieser Situation 

gibt es kaum eine Möglichkeit aus dem «Courante Normal» 

auszubrechen und die Struktur der Gärten zu reformieren obwohl 

es durchaus Interessen gäbe die Gartenareale aufzuwerten 

oder in eine aktuellere, mehr dem Zeitgeist entsprechende 

Form zu übertragen. 


level plot level area level city 

5750 tenants 

35 FGV 

contract (207.- rent/year) membership (about 50.-) 

contract (207.- rent/year) 





Organigramm der Basler Familiengärten 

private organisation > 

membership (about 50.-) 





FGV 

Familiengarten - Verein 

allotment garden club 

FGV 



< public authority 

level city 


Zentralverband der Basler 

Familiengärten-Vereine 

central association of Basels 

allotment garden clubs 


level area level plot 

Tenant 

FGV Tenant 

FGV 

Alternatives, weltweit verbreitetes Organigramm 

Tenant 

Tenant 

Tenant 

Tenant 

– 654 – – 655 – 

DRAFT 

FGV Bettingerweg 



– 656 – – 657 – 

DRAFT 

FGV Milchsuppe 


GARDENER PORTRAIT 

Elfi Pompinis Bio-Garden 

Gartenareal: FGV Spitalmatten-Habermatten 

Anzahl Jahre: 27 

Anzahl Parzellen: 1 + 1/2 für Kartoffeln 

Anzahl Personen: 2 (Ehepaar) 

Tätigkeit: Pensionärin 

Zeitaufwand: täglich 2-3 Stunden 

Tomaten, Beinwell, Kürbis, Koriander, Kartoffeln, Krautstiel, 

Fenchel, roter Knoblauch, Karotten, Zitronenmelisse, Thymian, 

Zitronen-Thymian, Salbei, Schnittlauch, Petersilien, Frühlingszwiebeln, 

Salate, Nüsslisalat, Majoran, Rosmarin, Maggikraut, 

Bohnen, Erbsen, Spitzkabis, Blumenkohl, Kohlrabi, Spinat, 

Zwiebeln, Digitalis, Azaleen, Christrose, Klematis, Mohn, Lupinien, 

Apfelbaum, Birnbaum etc. 

Alles wird selbst gemacht: vom Setzling über Kompost bis zur 

speziell hergestellten Dünger-Jauche. Elfi Pompinis Garten ist 

ein ausgeklügeltes, sehr gepflegtes System. Akribisch erhält 

jede Pflanze erhält die optimalen, entsprechenden Bedingungen, 

welche Elfi Pompini über die Jahre kennen gelernt hat. 

Es werden keine Zusätze wie Kunstdünger oder Pestizide verwendet, 

trotzdem werden hohe Erträge durch die intensive 

Pflege erzielt. 

Trotz der ausserordentlichen, wohl eher seltenen Sorgfalt 

kann dieser Garten als typisches Beispiel eines Freizeitgartens 

verstanden werden: die meisten Gärten werden auch heute 

vor allem zum Anbau von eigenem Gemüse genutzt. 


Setzlinge 

Spriessende Kartoffeln 

Dünger-Jauche mit Kräutern und Steinmehl 

Frühbeet 

– 658 – – 659 – 

Elfi Pompini 

DRAFT 

Gemüseproduktion für einen 2 Personen Haushalt 



Berti’s Paradise 

Gartenareal: FGV Landauer 

Anzahl Jahre: 6 im Landauer, 20 Jahre im Hörnli 

Anzahl Parzellen: 3 Kleintierparzellen 

Anzahl Personen: 1 

Tätigkeit: Schichtleiter Roche 

Zeitaufwand: täglich nach der Arbeit 3-4 Stunden 

Kaninchen, Hühner, Goldfasane, Wachteln, Sittiche, Enten, 

Rettich, Radieschen, Pastinaken, Spargeln, Steckrüben, Futterrüben 

für Tiere, Karotten, Radicchio, Stockbohnen, div. Salate, 

Kartoffeln, div. Kräuter, Blumenkohl, Kabis, Randen, Schwarzwurzeln, 

Lauch, Salbei, Spinat, Wirsing, Kefe, Zwiebeln, Knoblauch, 

Gurken, Blaubeeren, Stachelberen, Maggikraut, Koriander, 

Meerrettich, Zucchetti, Topinambur, Bohnenkraut, Kürbis, 

Äpfel, Zwetschgen, Mirabellen, Apfelfeigen etc. 

Berti, aufgewachsen auf einem Bauernhof, gelernter Metzger 

und passionierter Koch braucht seinen drei Gärten in erster 

Linie als Ausgleich zum Beruf. Nach der Arbeit verbringt er jeweils 

mehrere Stunden in seinem Garten. Obwohl Berti viel 

produziert kommt der Erhohlung einen hohen Stellenwert zu. 

So macht er in erster Linie was ihm Spass macht - er hat exotische 

Tiere, baut ungewöhnliches Gemüse an oder baut einen 

Pizzaofen der dann zu einem Pilz gemacht wird. 


Frischer Kaninchenwurf 

Goldfasan 

Hühner 

Kleine Küche 

– 660 – – 661 – 

Voliere mit Goldfasan, Sittichen und Wachteln, Gemüsebeet, Gewächshaus 

DRAFT 

Künstlerische Kräuterbeete und der selbstgebauter Pizzaofen 



Unigärten Basel 

Gartenareal: FGV Milchsuppe 

Anzahl Jahre: 1 

Anzahl Parzellen: 2 

Anzahl Personen: 2 (aktiv) + 6 (sporadisch) pro Parzelle 

Tätigkeit: Studenten 

Zeitaufwand: 2x pro Woche 1-2h, + Wochenende 

Radieschen, Blumen, Zwiebeln, Erdbeeren, Erbsen, Mais, 

equatorianische Kartoffeln, feigenbaum, Kohlrabi, Salat, wilder 

Meerrettich, Spinat, Knoblauch, Goldmelisse, Nüsslisalat, Salat, 

Fenchel, Weiden, Melde, Ringelblumen, Rhabarber, 

Unigärten Basel sind ein offizieller Verein der von Studenten 

geleitet wird und vor einem Jahr gegründet wurde. Bis heute 

hat er ca. 40 Mitglieder. Ihr Ziel ist die Etablierung von Gärten 

in der Stadt die durch Studenten bewirtschaftet werden. Auf 

Grund des Mangels an innerstädtischem Raum für Gemeinschaftsgärten 

musste der Verein auf das bestehende Familiengarten-Angebot 

zurück greifen. Langfristig möchte der Verein 

jedoch mehr Raum in der Stadt finden - wie zum Beispiel der 

Garten im Hof der Mission 21 in unmittelbarer Nähe zur Universität. 

Die beiden Gärten im Familiengartenareal Milchsuppe werden 

jeweils von zwei Teams à 8 Personen betreut, wovon jeweils 

zwei den Lead und die Verantwortung übernehmen. Schwierigkeiten 

gibt es in der Organisation und der Planung der Gärten 

- mittels Plänen wird versucht die wichtigsten Informationen 

ähnlich einem Logbuch zu erfassen. Die Bewirtschaftung 

der Gärten folgt den Ideen von Permaculture. 


Gartenplan 2012 

Werkzeugkiste 

Kompost 

Gartenplan 

– 662 – – 663 – 

Aktive am Samstag morgen 

DRAFT 

Diese Parzelle wurde vor einem Jahr übernommen 


RANKHOF-HÖRNLI 


das Gebiet zwischen Rankhof und Hörnli entlang des Rheins ist einer der letzten grösseren Grünräume 

der stadt Basel. Kaum bewohnt beherbergt das Gebiet typische Randnutzungen wie sportplätze, 

riesige Familiengartenareale oder anderweitige Funktionen wie ein Robispielplatz auf. Geprägt durch 

unzählige Unzulänglichkeiten und Grenzen weisst das Gebiet für aussenstehende kaum aufenthalts- 

Qualitäten auf. 

– 664 – – 665 – 

DRAFT 


Aerial View (H. Becherer, Satdgärtnerei Basel) 

Analysis of the Area 

Die Ausfallachse wird durch eine endlose Hecke, hinter der 

sich die Freizeitgärten befinden, gesäumt. Auf der gegenüberliegenden 

Strassenseite versperrt das älteste Naturschutzgebiet 

der Schweiz die Sicht auf den Rhein. 

Das Gebiet zwischen Rankhof und Hörnli wird durch eine typischer 

Randnutzungen besetzt. Es gibt einige Sportplätze, unzählige 

Freizeitgärten, Bahndämme, den Robispielplätz, kleine 

Wohnsiedlungen oder den Hunde-Dressurverein. Das Gebiet 

besteht aus einer Vielzahl schwierig zugänglicher Nutzungsschollen, 

zwischen denen kaum Raum mit Aufenthaltsqualität 

vor zu finden ist. Als eines der letzten grösseren Grünräume 

der Stadt Basel, als Verbindung zwischen der Langen Erle und 

dem Rhein, kann das Gebiet kaum gelesen werden. Unzählige 

Begrenzungen schränken diesen Grünraum ein. 

Ein Grossteil der Basler Freizeitgärten auf Stadtgebiet liegen 

im diesem Gebiet und schränken eine mögliche Entwicklung 

dieses Areals ein. 


– 666 – – 667 – 

Freizeitgärten 

DRAFT 

Rhein mit Kraftwerk Birsfelden 


Rheinbord - ältestes Naturschutzgebiet der Schweiz 

Eisenbahtrasse - ökologisch wervolle Nischen 

Strassen und Verbindungen 


– 668 – – 669 – 

Bebauungen 

Sportplätze 

DRAFT 

Freizeitgartenareale 


Bebauung mit Rhein 

Erschliessung und Verkehrsintensität 


– 670 – – 671 – 

Räumiche Begrenzungen 

DRAFT 

Zugänglichkeit der unterschiedlichen Schollen 


Zwischen Freizeitgärten 

Zwischen Freizeitgärten und Bahndamm 


– 672 – – 673 – 

Zwischen Freizeitgärten 

DRAFT 

Zwischen Bahntrasse und Sportplatz 


FGV Rankhof I 

Founded 1924 

Plots 78 units 

Area 187 ares 


FGV Hirzbrunnen 

Founded - 


Area 62 ares 

FGV Rankhof II 

Founded 1924 


Area 92 ares 

FGV Bäumlihof I 

Founded 1919 


Area 185 ares 

FGV Rankhof III 

Founded 1924 


Area 286 ares 

FGV Bäumlihof II 

Founded 1919 


Area 476 ares 

FGV Landauer 

Founded 1942 


Area 437 ares 

– 674 – – 675 – 

FGV Bettingerweg 

Founded - 


Area 779 ares 

FGV Hörnli 

Founded 1943 


Area 605 ares 

DRAFT 

Rankhof-Hörnli, 1371 Freizeitgärten auf 2.8 ha Land. 


Plan FGV Bettingerweg 

Portrait FGV Bettingerweg 

Gegründet: - 

Anzahl Parzellen: 384 plots 

Fläche: 779 a 

Kosten pro Parzelle / Jahr: 347.- 

Veranstaltungen / Jahr: 3 

Das Familiengartenareal Bettingerweg liegt direkt an der 

Grenzacherstrasse und wird durch einen Weg in zwei Teile getrennt. 

Der Ausländeranteil ist relativ hoch und die Integration 

manchmal schwierig. Einerseits bildet die Sprache und das 

kulturelle Verständnis oft eine grosse Hürde, anderseits gibt 

es innerhalb der Areals unterschiedliche Clanbildungen, was 

eine Integration erschweren kann. Mit beinahe 400 Parzellen 

ist das Areal eher gross und schwierig zu kontrollieren. 

Das Areal hat auffallen viele alte Gartenhäuser die zum Teil 

schon gegen 80 Jahre alt sind und den heutigen Reglements 

nicht mehr entsprechen würden. 


50m 

– 676 – – 677 – 

Die Gärten unterliegen einem strengen Raster, im Hinetrgrund das Grenzacherhorn. 

DRAFT 

Vermutlich älteste Gartenhaus des Areals. 


Plan FGV Landauer 

Portrait FGV Landauer 

Gegründet: 1942 



Kosten pro Parzelle /Jahr: 327.- 


Wie ein Band legt sich das Familiengartenareal Landauer um 

die gleichnamige, eingeschossig Siedlung mit den auffälligen 

roten Zweifamilienhäusern. Einige dieser Häuser nutzen einen 

Garten als Erweiterung der eigenen Grundstückfläche. Die ungewöhnliche 

Form des Areals lässt es sehr übersichtlich und 

familiär erscheinen. 

Entlang des Bahndamms im nördlichen Bereich ist einer der 

wenigen Bereiche in Basel, wo Kleintierzucht in den Gärten 

erlaubt ist. Es gibt vor allem Hühner, Kaninchen und einige 

Taubenzüchter. Als Voraussetzung um einen solchen Garten 

mit Kleintierzucht zu erhalten ist eine Mitgliedschaft in einem 

Verband nötig. 


FGV Hörnli 

50m 

– 678 – – 679 – 

Hühner, Zwiebel, Gewächshäuser und Schweizerfahnen vor dem Bahndamm nach Riehen. 

DRAFT 

Das Gartenareal Landauer steht in einer koexistiert zusammen mit der charmanten Siedlung Landauer. 


Plan FGV Hörnli 

Portrait FGV Hörnli 

Gegründet: 1943 



Kosten pro Parzelle: 307.- 


FGV Landauer 

Wenn man das Areal des FVG Hörnli betritt empfängt einem 

ein Hauch des Südens - man fühlt sich ein wenig in eine andere 

Welt versetzt. Auch der Kataster für schätzenswerte Naturobjekte 

bezeichnet das Freizeitgartenareal als ein wertvolle 

Areal. Dieses Areal scheint durchaus eine spezifische Qualität 

zu haben, die andernorts so nicht auftritt. Es gibt ein starkes 

Raster und unmerklich leicht erhöht bildet das von aussen 

nicht zugängliche Depot das Zentrum des Gartens, wo auch 

aussergewöhnlich viele Anlässe veranstaltet werden. 

Einige Parzellen sind stillgelegt und werden der Natur überlassen. 

Begleitet von einer trinationalen Organisation sollen 

diese kleine Rückzugsoasen und Trittbretter für seltene Tiere 

und Pflanzen bilden. 


50m 

– 680 – – 681 – 

Das ausgesprochen markante Raster und die sanfte Topografie bieten eine hohe räumliche Qualität. 

DRAFT 

Stillgelegte Gärten bilden Trittbretter zur Ausbreitung seltener Pflanzen- und Tierarten. 


Existing Planning and the 

Approach of a Park 

lang der Bahn nachvollziehbar. Weitergehende Aussagen zur Etappierung werden nicht gemacht. 

natuR, lanDSchaFt unD FReIRauM 

Der regionale grossräumige Lebens- und Landschaftsraum (Regiobogen) bzw. die heutige durch Landwirtschaftsflächen, 

Familiengärten, Sportanlagen und Siedlungsinseln usw. bestimmte Grünzäsur 

zwischen Basel und Riehen wird zu einem grossen baumreichen Landschaftspark umgestaltet, in dem 

im mittleren Feld südlich der Bahnlinie eine Kette mit ca. 15 neuen dominierenden Hochhäusern (20 

und mehr Geschosse) bezeichnet ist. Die Siedlungskante Riehens wird verstärkt durch neue Baufelder 

aus Reihenhäusern mit Hausgärten, die an die lokale Bautradition anknüpfen. Ganz im Westen wird an 

der Grenzacherstrasse ein dicht überbauter Stadtabschluss mit einer neuen Platzanlage ausgebildet. 

Dieser Landschaftspark gliedert sich in drei unterschiedliche Parkanlagen: Bäumlihof-, Landauerund 

Grenzacherpark. Das bestehende Muster an Baumreihen und -alleen wird durch weitere Alleen, 

dichte Baumgärten und lockere Baumgruppen ergänzt. Allmendartige Wiesen, neue Formen von Freizeitgärten 

und urbane Parkanlagen ersetzen die heutigen Familiengartenareale. 

Eine naturräumliche und ökologische Vernetzung Nord-Süd ist in diesen Landschaftspark integrierbar. 

Der Landschaftspark Bäumlihof sichert die dort bestehende Grundwasserschutzzone. Der Versiegelungsgrad 

liegt tief. Die Bahndämme bleiben im Charakter bestehen, werden jedoch durch die 

nahe Hochhauskette in ihrer Bedeutung als Vernetzungsstrukturen (Schattenwurf, Unruhe usw.) beeinträchtigt. 

Die Rheinfront ist ein Bestandteil des Grenzacherparks; das Naturschutzgebiet entlang 

der Rheinhalde wird zwar im Charakter weitgehend erhalten, verliert aber durch einen breiten Zugang 

mit Freilichtbühne und durch das vorgelagerte Seebad im Rhein seine Bedeutung als naturbe- 

Die Testplanung (2009/2010 stimmter ruhiger - Diener&Diener aquatischer Lebensraum. Architekten mit 

mit August Künzel Landschaftsarchitekten), welche die Grundlage 

zur Zonenplanrevision Grenzacherstrasse. ist, sieht auf dem Areal zwischen 

Rankhof und Hörnli eine punktuelle Bebauung mit Wohn- 

> 

hochhäusern vor. Gleichzeitig soll eine parkähnlich Landschaft 

entstehen, die das Gebiet zwischen Bäumlihof und Rhein zu 

einem riesigen Stadtpark verbindet. Darin soll es wie bis anhin 

auch Raum für Freizeitgärten und Sport geben. Weitere Nutzungen 

wie ein Zugang zum Rhein mit einem Rheinbad sind 

angedacht - eine Vielzahl verschiedener Funktionen sollen nebeneinander 

koexistieren können. 

Im Zusammenhang mit den Freizeitgärten stellt sich die Frage 

wie ein solcher Park mit den Arealen zusammen kommt und 

wie sich die Freizeitgartenareale in den Park einbringen? Können 

sie zu sie zu interagierenden Orten in einem grossen Park 

transformiert werden? 

uNGEN TESTplaNuNG OST DIeneR &DIeneR aRchItekten 

s 

Fast alle Familiengartenareale werden zu öffentlichen Parkanlagen oder Baufeldern; im Landauerpark 

werden neue Freizeitgärten integriert. Den Reihenhäusern sind Hausgärten zugeordnet. Es entsteht 

ein reiches Angebot an öffentlichen Freiflächen, Fusswegen und Parkzugängen. Die Sportfelder 

werden reduziert. Die vorgeschlagene Freilichtbühne steht im Widerspruch zur stark befahrenen 

F a Z i T 

Der vorgeschlagene ansatz, die entwicklung von der landschaftsräumlichen Qualifizierung und 

dem gewinn an öffentlichen Räumen zu denken, ist überzeugend. basel und Riehen durch Freiraumqualitäten 

und ergänzende bebauung mit besonderen typologien in diesem Raum zu entwickeln 

und die bauliche ergänzung der Stadt- und Dorfränder ist eine tragfähige und vermittelbare 

Strategie. positiv wirkt sich der geringe gebäudefussabdruck der hochhäuser aus, welcher weiterhin 

eine naturräumliche ökologische Vernetzung von nord nach Süd sowie ein reiches angebot 

an öffentlichen Freiflächen, Fusswegen und parkzugängen ermöglicht. 

Im Zuge einer weiteren Vertiefung sind zahlreiche umsetzungsbezogene Fragen zu klären und 

zu überlegen, wie das Rheinufer im einklang mit naturschutzinteressen als attraktiver südlicher 

endpunkt des neuen parks gestaltet werden kann. Zudem müsste in einer weiterbearbeitung die 

erhaltung einer möglichst grossen anzahl von Familiengärten zum Ziel gesetzt und die Reduktion 

von Sportfeldern vermieden werden. 

und Dimensionierung punktueller Wohnbauten am und im Park unterzogen werden. Zudem war die 

noch sorgfältigere Untersuchung der Auswirkungen auf die Wahrnehmbarkeit des Parks als Element 

der Stadtlandschaft und auf die Integration von Sport- und Familiengartenanlagen notwendig. Die 

Weiterbearbeitung erfolgte in Zusammenarbeit mit August Künzel Landschaftsarchitekten. 

Im Endergebnis wird die freiräumliche Durchlässigkeit erhöht, indem die mittlere der drei Hochhaus- 


gruppen um ein Gebäude reduziert wird. Zudem hält das Abrücken der Hochhäuser vom Bahndamm 

die längerfristige Option einer Verlegung der Grenzacherstrasse offen und entschärft gleichzeitig die 

Lärmproblematik im Zusammenhang mit der Bahn. Mit dem optimierten Vorschlag können alle öffentlichen 

und genossenschaftlichen Sportfelder im Planungsgebiet untergebracht werden. 

STaDTRaNDENTWickluNGEN TESTplaNuNG OST DIeneR &DIeneR aRchItekten 

Testplanung GESaMTplaN NacH DER Ost WEiTERBEaRBEiTuNG: (BVD Baselstadt, Diener&Diener) 

Reduktion der Hochhäuser, abrücken der Hochhäuser 

vom Bahndamm 

STaDTRaNDENTWickluNGEN TESTplaNuNG OST DIeneR &DIeneR aRchItekten 

28 29 

Vogelschau mit Blick aus 

Richtung Nordwesten 

von Gebäuden geprägt wird und durch die in Tunnellage geführte Grenzacherstrasse und das Seebad 

eine Steigerung der öffentlichen Wahrnehmung und Nutzbarkeit erfährt, ist in der Endfassung zwar 

die Öffentlichkeitstauglichkeit des Grenzacherparkes sehr viel grösser, aber der Gesamtraum in der 

ansicht mit Blick aus 

Stadt städtebaulich nicht mehr hervorgehoben, die Grenzacherstrasse zur Stadtstrasse rückgebaut 

Richtung Südosten 

und das Seebad über eine mit Freilichtbühne kombinierte Unterquerung, d.h. punktuell erreichbar. 

Neben den drei Parks ist als Wesentliches – und als Attraktion für die Region – der Vorschlag des Seebades 

zu sehen. Es bildet den Auftakt von Süden und wichtigen Höhepunkt der Parklandschaft, weil 

dadurch der Rhein in einer ganz neuen Form räumlich und funktional erlebbar wird. 

StaDt- unD DORFRänDeR 

Die drei Parkabschnitte erfahren im Wesentlichen auf der Basler Seite, im Nord-Osten zur Riehener 

Seite jeweils eine klare Begrenzung, die auch durch eine unterschiedliche freiraumplanerische 

Gestaltung die drei Räume lesbar macht. Insbesondere auf der Riehener Seite entstehen neue Bau- 

Vogelschau mit Blick aus Parklandschaft (BVD Baselstadt, Diener&Diener) 

Richtung Nordwesten 

ansicht mit Blick aus 

Richtung Südosten 

DIeneR &DIeneR aRchItekten TESTplaNuNG OST STaDTRaNDENTWickluNGEN 


eine Steigerung der öffentlichen Wahrnehmung und Nutzbarkeit erfährt, ist in der Endfassung zwar 

die Öffentlichkeitstauglichkeit des Grenzacherparkes sehr viel grösser, aber der Gesamtraum in der 


und das Seebad über eine mit Freilichtbühne kombinierte Unterquerung, d.h. punktuell erreichbar. 

Neben den drei Parks ist als Wesentliches – und als Attraktion für die Region – der Vorschlag des Seebades 

zu sehen. Es bildet den Auftakt von Süden und wichtigen Höhepunkt der Parklandschaft, weil 

dadurch der Rhein in einer ganz neuen Form räumlich und funktional erlebbar wird. 

StaDt- unD DORFRänDeR 

Die drei Parkabschnitte erfahren im Wesentlichen auf der Basler Seite, im Nord-Osten zur Riehener 

Seite jeweils eine klare Begrenzung, die auch durch eine unterschiedliche freiraumplanerische 

Gestaltung die drei Räume lesbar macht. Insbesondere auf der Riehener Seite entstehen neue Baufelder, 

die vielfältige und neue – vorstädtische – Wohnformen zulassen. Die neue S-Bahn-Haltestel- 

Gärten, Sport und Rheinbad (BVD Baselstadt, Diener&Diener) 

Familiengärten im park, 

Freilichtbühne mit unterführung 

zum Rhein, Seebad 


le mit ergänzender Bebauung im Umfeld wird so Mitte eines neuen Quartiers. Die vorgeschlagene 

Freiraumverbindung zwischen Hörnli- und Landauerpark ist besonders hervorzuheben – wenngleich 

hierfür der Abriss eines Teils der Randbebauung gegenüber dem Eingang zum Friedhof vorgeschlagen 

wird. Der «Stadteingang» nach Basel wird durch den Grenzacherplatz hervorgehoben. 

QualItät neueR wOhnungSangebOte 

Von allen vorgelegten Konzepten wird mit 6’500 Einwohnern, davon 4’200 in Basel, die höchste Anzahl 

vorgeschlagen. Damit ist die Kapazität des Kantons für 10 Jahre in diesem Raum verortet. Eine quantitative 

Reduktion ist demnach nahe liegend. Standortwahl und Bebauungstypologien bieten für ein 

oberes und z.T. mittleres Segment unterschiedliche Wohnformen – auch für neue Angebote. Auf der 

zu betrachtenden Planungsebene sind keine strukturellen Probleme weder beim Zwischenergebnis 

noch in der Endfassung erkennbar. Allerdings ist bei den Häusern im Park die Klärung zwischen öffentlich 

und privat noch zu leisten. Bei der in der Endvariante vorgestellten Hochhausbebauung ist mit 

Beeinträchtigungen durch Lärm zu rechnen, die durch Grundrissanordnung und technische Massnahmen 

zu lösen wären. > 




26 

unterführung von der 

Freilichtbühne zum Rhein 

27 

le mit ergänzender Bebauung im Umfeld wird so Mitte eines neuen Quartiers. Die vorgeschlagene 


hierfür der Abriss eines Teils der Randbebauung gegenüber dem Eingang zum Friedhof vorgeschlagen 


QualItät neueR wOhnungSangebOte 

Skyline (BVD Baselstadt, Diener&Diener) 

Von allen vorgelegten Konzepten wird mit 6’500 Einwohnern, davon 4’200 in Basel, die höchste Anzahl 

vorgeschlagen. Damit ist die Kapazität des Kantons für 10 Jahre in diesem Raum verortet. Eine quan- 


titative Reduktion ist demnach nahe liegend. Standortwahl und Bebauungstypologien bieten für ein 

eine Steigerung oberes und z.T. der mittleres öffentlichen Segment unterschiedliche Wahrnehmung Wohnformen und – Nutzbarkeit auch für neue Angebote. erfährt, Auf ist der in der Endfassung zwar 

DRAFT 

FGV Hörnli 

le mit ergänzender Bebauung im Umfeld wird so Mitte eines neuen Quartiers. Die vorgeschlagene © ETH Studio Basel 


zu betrachtenden Planungsebene sind keine strukturellen Probleme weder beim Zwischenergebnis 

– 682 die Öffentlichkeitstauglichkeit – des Grenzacherparkes sehr viel grösser, aber der Gesamtraum in der 

noch in der Endfassung erkennbar. Allerdings ist bei den Häusern im Park die Klärung zwischen öf- 


fentlich und privat noch zu leisten. Bei der in der Endvariante vorgestellten Hochhausbebauung ist mit 

und das Beeinträchtigungen Seebad über durch eine Lärm mit zu Freilichtbühne rechnen, die durch kombinierte Grundrissanordnung Unterquerung, und technische Mass- d.h. punktuell erreichbar. 

hierfür der Abriss eines Teils der Randbebauung gegenüber dem – 683 Eingang – zum Friedhof vorgeschlagen 










Grünraum Bäumlihof

SOME STRATEGICAL THOUGHTS 

Existierende Situation FGV Hörnli 

PROBLEM OF PRIVACY 

AND PUBLIC SPACE 

Freizeitgärten sind in erster Linie durch Pacht privat genutzte 

Grundstücke auf öffentlichem Grund - quasi eine Erweiterung 

des persönlichen Wohnraums. Ein strenges Reglementarium 

ermöglicht die Koexistenz solcher Parzellen in grösseren Gebieten. 

Diese sind nach aussen zwar geschlossene, in sich jedoch 

recht offene. Die Offenheit dieser Areale in sich ist das 

Resultat eines stillen Einverständnisses. Trotz der Grösse der 

Gebiete entsteht kaum eine Abkapselung der einzelnen Parzellen 

als geschlossene Gärtchen - zurückzuführen ist dies auf 

das Verständnis eines Areals als gemeinsame «Blase». Was 

würde geschehen wenn man diese «Blasen» auflösen, beziehungsweise 

diese uneingeschränkt der Öffentlichkeit zugänglich 

gemacht würden? Vermutlich würde ein «Abkapselungs- 

Effekt» eintreten, wo die einzelnen Parzellen viel mehr in sich 

geschlossen würden. Die Öffnung von Freizeitgartenarealen 

sollte somit mit einer Transformation der heutigen Struktur erfolgen 

- eine direkte physische Öffnung ist heute wohl kaum 

denkbar. 


– 684 – – 685 – 

Privacy Reaction: Bad Future 

DRAFT 

Public Exchange: Good Future 


Projektidee: 


„Stadtgärten statt Schrebergärten“ 

Strategien zum Umgang mit Gärten 

in und um das Stadtgebiet. 

Fragestellung: 

- Wie werden Gärten zu interagierenden, urbanen Orte? 

- Wie können Gärten mehr in die Stadt gebracht werden? 

- Wie können sich Freizeitgartenareale transformieren? 

Ein zentraler organisatorischer Eingriff: Vereinfachung der komplexen 

organisatorischen Strukturen durch die Schaffung einer eher hierarchischen 

Organisationsform. 


Landowners 

Einwohnergemeinde Basel-Stadt 

Bürgerspital 

Kanton Basel-Landschaft 

Christoph Merian-Stiftung 

Industrielle Werke Basel 

Deutsche Bundesbahn 

level city 


Stadtgärtnerei, Abteilung Familiengärten 

3 full time jobs and 1 trainee 


level plot level area level city 

5750 tenants 

35 FGV 

contract (207.- rent/year) membership (about 50.-) 

Tenant 






Tenant 

Tenant 

Tenant 

Tenant 

Tenant 






FGV 



FGV 



Zentralverband der Basler 

Familiengärten-Vereine 

central association of Basels 

allotment garden clubs 


level city 



level area 

Tenant 

FGV Tenant 

Durch die Bildung eines Akteurs wird Verantwortung und Verpflichtung 

geschaffen. Der Akteur soll nicht mehr als regulierendes Organ 

einer Ansammlung von Einzelinteressen dienen sondern eine aktive 

Rolle mit Setzung von spezifischen Themen, auch im Bezug zum urbanen 

Umfeld, agieren. 

< public authority private organisation > 

level city level area level plot 


Tenant 

FGV Tenant 

FGV 

Tenant 

Tenant 

Tenant 

Tenant 

FGV 

level plot 

Tenant 

Tenant 

Tenant 

Tenant 

AKTEUR 

Der Akteur tritt als Bespieler eines Ortes auf - die wesentlichen Ideen 

und Überlegungen sind in Bezug zu Ort/Situation und Akteur/Institution 

zu machen. 

LANDEIGENTÜMER 


ORT 

AKTEUR 

FUNKTION 

AKTEURE 

Etablierte: 

Familiengartenvereine 

HEKS Gärten 

Unigärten Basel 

Urban Agriculture 

... 

Potentielle: 

Schulhäuser 

Altersheime 

Firmen 

– 686 – – 687 – 

... 

NUTZER 

FUNKTIONEN 

Etablierte: 

Einzelpachtgärten 

Gemeinschaftsgärten 

Kleintierzucht 

... 

Potentielle: 

Markt 

Restaurant 

Integration 

Naturschutz 

Erholung 

Sport 

... 

AKTEUR + 

FUNKTION + 

ORT = 

GARTENTYPOLOGIE 

ORTE 

Etablierte: 

Familiengartenareale 

Private Gärten 

Mission 21 

Landhof 

... 

Potentielle: 

Brachen 

Grünanlagen 

Grossflächige Dächer 

Hinterhöfe 

Künstliche Strukturen 

MÖGLICHE GARTENTYPOLOGIEN 

Uni-Gemeinschaftsgarten mit Lunchpoint im Innenhof des Unispitals 

DRAFT 

Uni-Studentengärten mit CityBeach auf dem Dach der Messe 

HEKS Flüchtlingsgarten mit Restaurant vis à vis Claramatten 

... 


CONCLUSION 


Freizeitgärten sind ein komplexer Mikrokosmos strenger Regularien. die transformation dieser 

Gartenareale, die heute abgekapselt kaum eine Interaktion mit der stadt eingehen, benötigt wohl 

tiefgreifende strukturelle Änderungen. es besteht durchaus eine Nachfrage nach eher städtischen, 

öffentlichen Gärten wie gegenwärtige Beispiele zeigen (Urban agriculture Basel, Unigärten Basel). 

Hat die schrebergartenparzelle ausgedient? Wohl kaum: noch heute werden 6‘000 Parzellen durch 

Private bewirtschaftet. ein diversifiziertes angebot nach unterschiedlichster Gartentypologien, die 

thematisch belegt werden, könnten die attraktivität für stadt und Gärtner erhöhen. 

– 688 – – 689 – 

DRAFT 


– Food in Basel II – – Urban Canopy Garden – 

– 690 – – 691 – 


URBaN CaNOPY GaRdeN 

DRAFT 




Chris Masicampo 




Spring Semester 2012 



URBaN CaNOPY GaRdeN 

INtROdUCtION 

desIGN CONCePt 

dReIsPItZ 

Urban Redevelopment 

History 

GÜteRBaHNHOF WOlF 

History 

Site Overview 

HOW tO GROW? 

Hydroponics 

Potential Yields 

WHat tO GROW? 

Vegetable Production in Switzerland 

Seasonal Charts 

HOW tO dIstRIBUte? 

Community supported Agriculture 

desIGN PROPOsal 

CONClUsION 

– 692 – – 693 – 

DRAFT 


INtROdUCtION 

Community garden project by Urban Agriculutre Basel 


Urban expansion has typically taken precedence over claims for land as advances in technologies 

has made it easier for people to get their food goods from farther, faster. Globalization and industrial 

food production has ensured that most of us are able to be fed. However, growing health and 

environmental concerns have created a sort of backlash to this system and people are making more 

conscious choices about what they eat and from where it derives. as a result, the practices of the rural 

are now, more than ever, invading into the urban. 

– 694 – – 695 – 

DRAFT 


desIGN CONCePt 


the predominant model of the current global food system is the predominant model by which food 

is produced and then ultimately arrives to our tables. the strategy of this intervention will be one 

that facilitates a more locally integrated system that scales down the steps associated with the current 

model. Inherent in the approach is a deliberate effort to eliminate the effect of food miles and create 

a more direct link to food sources. 

Global Food System Locally Integrated Food System 

Waste 

Consumption 

Composting 

Systems 

Local 

Distribution 

Global Food 

Production 

Regional 

Processing 

National 

Distribution 

Waste 

Consumption 

Composting 

Systems 

Local 

Distribution 

– 696 – – 697 – 

Local Production of 

Global Food 

Localized 

Processing 

DRAFT 


dReIsPItZ 


the dreispitz area is one of the largest development projects in switzerland. It connects to downtown 

Basel in the north and spreads to the south, across the cantons Basel-stadt and Baselland. 

– 698 – – 699 – 

DRAFT 


Urban Redevelopment 

The Dreispitz area is one of the largest development projects 

in Switzerland. It connects to downtown Basel in the north 

and spreads to the south, across the cantons Basel-Stadt and 

Baselland. This transformation is led by a vision created by 

theHerzog & de Meuron, put into practice in 2009. 

The redevelopment of the Dreispitz area aims at transforming 

parts of this already attractive logistics and business plot into 

a modern and vibrant multi-use city district with a distinct 

identity. It will combine business, residential and leisure areas 

as well as culture and shopping. In addition to the already 

existing 400 businesses, the potential for nearly 6’000 new 

jobs will be created through concentration and densification, 

and in addition to that, apartments will be available for some 

2’500 residents. 

Source: dreispitz.com 


Development Plan 

for Dreispitz: Land Use 

– 700 – – 701 – 

DRAFT 


1872 

Wolfgottesacker dedicated. The first 

burial was June 3, 1872. 

1875 

Outsourcing of freight trains to the "Wolf". 

Marshalling yard established due to lack of 

space. 

History 

Dreispitz developed out of the creation of the Guterbahnhof 

Wolf, the nearby railway yard, and has a long history as an area 

used mainly for logistics and business. The site of Guterbahnhof 

Wolf was originally farmland at the outskirts of the city. 

The railway yard was established out here to handle freight 

volumes passing through the city. 


1901 

Wolf warehouses relocated to Dreispitz. 

DRAFT 

Source: Food in Basel Image Sources: Vision Dreispitz 

– 702 – – 703 – 


GÜteRBaHNHOF WOlF 


the railway yard from which the area of dreispitz derived will serve as central site of intervention 

for the proposal for an urban canopy garden. 

Image Source: Google Maps 

– 704 – – 705 – 

DRAFT 


Painting of a home along present day Munchensteinerstrasse in Dreispitz. 

Image Source: bs.ch 

History 

Prior to the establishment of the railyard, The area in and 

around the Güterbahnhof Wolf was well beyond the outskirts 

of the city. Open expanses of undeveloped land and small 

private farms made up the landscape. 

Source: bs.ch 


– 706 – – 707 – 

DRAFT 


Site Overview 

The Güterbahnhof Wolf offers some intriguing features that 

make it an interesting site for the suggestion of a design 

proposal centered around the topic of food in Basel. While 

serving as as an important logistical hub for both road and 

rail, it is located at a key intersection between residential, 

industrial, and recreational zones in Basel and the edge 

between Basel Stadt and Basel Land. 


Basel Stadt 

Basel Land 

– 708 – – 709 – 

Basel Stadt 

Basel Land 

DRAFT 


Current Context 

Gundeldingen 

Residential 

Broderholz 


St. Alban 

Dreispitz 

Residential 

St. Jakob Park 

Industrial / Infrastructure 

Green Zone 

S 

Bahnhof SBB / 

SNCF 

Mixed Use 

delemont 

DRAFT 

la Chaux de Fonds 

Land Use Roads and Freeways 

– 710 – – 711 – 

Basel SBB/ 

GB Wolf 

S 

S 

S 

Karlsruhe, 

Germany 

Rail Connection 

Zurich 

Bern 



Wolfgottesacker 

Truck Depot 

Railway Yard 



Wolfgottesacker 

Truck Depot 

Train Depot 

St. Alban 

Dreispitz 


Gundeldigen 

– 712 – – 713 – 

St. Alban 

Dreispitz 

St. Jakobshalle 

DRAFT 

Gundeldigen 


HOW tO GROW? 


Given the conditions of the site and the poor quality of the soil due to years of industrial use and 

exposure, hydroponic would be the most effective method of agricultural production on the site. 

– 714 – – 715 – 

DRAFT 


Hydroponics 

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants using mineral 

nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. Researchers 

discovered in the 18th century that plants absorb essential 

mineral nutrients as inorganic ions in water. In natural 

conditions, soil acts as a mineral nutrient reservoir but the 

soil itself is not essential to plant growth. When the mineral 

nutrients in the soil dissolve in water, plant roots are able 

to absorb them. When the required mineral nutrients are 

introduced into a plant’s water supply artificially, soil is no 

longer required for the plant to thrive. 

Advantages to Urban Farming: 

No soil is needed. 

Lower water costs because the water stays in the 

system and can be reused. 

Lower nutrition costs and no nutrient pollution 

into the environment. 

Stable crops, higher yields, and ease of harvest. 

Pests and diseases easier to control because of the 

mobility and no pesticide damage. 

Medium culture 

method uses a 

solid medium for the 

roots. In the solution 

culture method the 

roots grow in solution. 

Sources: aqualifehydroponics.in 

Some plants are 

hung on support 

structures to 

maximize available 

space and enable 

for growth at height 

easier of harvest 

Feed dripped 

onto the roots 


Static solution method 

Aeroponic system 

Continuous flow method 

Ebb and flow system 

DRAFT 

Hydroponically grown cucumbers at Thanet Earth in the UK. Image Source: Thanet Earth 

– 716 – – 717 – 


Potential Yields 


Any plant can be grown hydroponically given the right methods and techniques. The practice of growing food crops using hydroponics 

continues to gain popularity mainly becuase of the greater control of the crop and the potentially higher yields. 

Soil vs. Hydroponics 

In tons per hectare at time of harvest. 

Lettuce 

Cucumbers 

Carrots 

Peppers 

Cabbage 

Source: iica.int 

Tomatoes 

Potatoes 

Soil grown 

Hydroponic grown 

52 

10-30 

80-100 

15-20 

55-75 

20-40 

20-40 

120 

20-30 

85-105 

180-190 

300-330 

350-400 

700-800 

Soil vs. Hydroponics: Carrot Production 

An annual average harvest of 19,000 t of carrots are produced on 1,400 ha in Switzerland. It would take 1/4 the land 

area to produce the same amount of carrots in Switzerland using hydroponic methods. 

Yield using soil 

1,400 ha 

Yield using hydroponics 

1,400 ha 

– 718 – – 719 – 

346 ha 

19,000 t 

19,000 t 

77,000 t 

= 2,000 t 

DRAFT 


WHat tO GROW? 


due to the lack of space on the site to effectively grow large expanses of staple crops like cereals 

and grains, the best option for production is high value, high yield salad, vegetable and fruit crops. 

– 720 – – 721 – 

DRAFT 


Vegetable Production in Switzerland 

The total area of active cultivation in Switzerland is 

approximately 10,000 hectares. This constitutes only about 

1% of the country’s agricultural land. Of the 10,000 hectares, 

roughly 1 hectare is located in Basel City and 152 hectares 

are produces in Basel Land. 

13% of Swiss agricultural production is devoted to the 

growth of vegetable crops and is valued at CHF 10 billion. 

In Switzerland, there are more than 80 different kinds of 

vegetables in cultivation covering about 50% of the domestic 

needs. 40% of the vegetables are processed and preserved 

and another 40% sold fresh; the remaining percentage being 

vegetables in storage or cultivated in greenhouses. 

Top Vegetable Crops per Acre 

In hectares. 

1600 

1400 

1200 

1000 

800 

600 

400 

200 

0 

Sources: www.lid.ch 


Basel City = 1 ha 

Basel Land = 152 ha 

Average yearly production in Switzerland 

Number of Farms: 3,300 

Fresh Food: 250,000 t 

Stock Vegetables: 70,000 t 

Vegetables for Processing: 46,000 t 

Top Vegetable Crops by Volume 

Leeks; 9,500 t 

Carrots; 19,000 t 

Lettuce; 13,300 t 

Zucchini; 5,000 t 

– 722 – – 723 – 

Tomatoes; 38,000 t 

Iceberg Lettuce; 15,300 t 

Onions; 11,000 t 

Cucumbers; 9,000 t 

DRAFT 


CABBAGE 

CARDOON 

CARROT 

CATALOGNA 

CAULIFLOWER 

Vegetables, CELERIAC Herbs, and Tubers 

CELERY 

Seasonal chart of available vegetables, herbs, and tubers for Switzerland. 

CHARD 

CHERRY TOMATO 

ARTICHOKE 

CHICORY 

CHINESE 

ASPARAGUS 

CABBAGE 

BATAVIA LETTUCE 

CHIVE 

CUCUMBER 

BEAN 

CURLY 

BEET 

ENDIVE 

ROOT 

BLACK 

DANDELION 

SALSIFY 

EGGPLANT 

BROCCOLI 

BRUSSELS SPROUT 

FENNEL 

CABBAGE 

GARLIC 

ICEBERG 

CARDOON 

LETTUCE 

KOHLRABI 

CARROT 

LAMB'S 

CATALOGNA 

LETTUCE 

CAULIFLOWER 

LEEK 

CELERIAC 

LETTUCE 

LOLLO 

CELERY 

ROT 

MAY TURNIP 

CHARD 

CHERRY TOMATO 

MELONS 

NEW POTATOES 

CHICORY 

CHINESE CABBAGE 

ONION 

PAK 

CHIVE 

CHOI 

CUCUMBER 

PAPRIKA 

CURLY 

PARSLEY 

ENDIVE 

DANDELION 

PARSNIP 

EGGPLANT 

PEA 

POTATOE 

FENNEL 

PUMPKIN 

GARLIC 

ICEBERG 

PURSLANE 

LETTUCE 

KOHLRABI 

RADISH 

LAMB'S 

RED CABBAGE 

LETTUCE 

RED CICORINO 

LEEK 

RHUBARB 

LETTUCE 

ROMANESCO 

LOLLO ROT 

SALADS 

MAY TURNIP 

MIX 

SAVOY CABBAGE 

MELONS 

NEW POTATOES 

SHALLOT 

SMOOTH 

ONION 

ENDIVE 

SOIL KOHLRABI 

PAK CHOI 

SPINACH 

PAPRIKA 

SPRING CABBAGE 

PARSLEY 

SWEET 

PARSNIP 

CORN 

TOMATO 

PEA 

TOPINAMBUR 

POTATOE 

PUMPKIN 

TURNIP 

WHITE 

PURSLANE 

CABBAGE 

ZUCCHINI 

RADISH 

RED CABBAGE 

RED CICORINO 

RHUBARB 

ROMANESCO 

SALADS MIX 

Source: SAVOY CABBAGE 1. swissveg.ch 

SHALLOT 

SMOOTH ENDIVE 

SOIL KOHLRABI 

SPINACH 

WINTER 


JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 

SPRING SUMMER FALL 

SEASONAL CALENDAR FOR 

VEGETABLES, ROOTS 

AND HERBS 

– 724 – – 725 – 

PAPRIKA 

PARSLEY 

PARSNIP 

PEA 

POTATOE 

PUMPKIN 

PURSLANE 

RADISH 

RED CABBAGE 

RED CICORINO 

RHUBARB 

ROMANESCO 

SALADS MIX 

SAVOY CABBAGE 

SHALLOT 

SMOOTH ENDIVE 

SOIL KOHLRABI 

SPINACH 

SPRING CABBAGE 

SWEET CORN 

TOMATO 

TOPINAMBUR 

TURNIP 

WHITE CABBAGE 

ZUCCHINI 


WINTER 



VEGETABLES, ROOTS 

AND HERBS 

DRAFT 


Summerred 

Gravensteiner 

Primerouge 

Rubinola 

Cox Orange 

Rubinette 

Fruits and Berries 

Elstar 

Gala 

Seasonal chart of available fruits and berries for Switzerland. 

Boskoop 

Jonagold 

APPLES (AUTUMN VARIETIES) 

Golden Delicoius 

APPLES (EARLY VARIETIES) 

Topaz 

APPLES (LAGERSORTEN) 

Pinova 

Apple Varieties: 

Iduna 

Vista Bella 

Idared 

Summerred 

Glockenapfel 

Gravensteiner 

Braeburn 

Primerouge 

Maigold 

Rubinola 

Granny Smith 

Cox Orange 

APRICOTS 

Rubinette 

Apricot Varieties: 

Elstar 

Orangered 

Gala 

Luizet 

Boskoop 

Goldrich 

Jonagold 

BLACKBERRIES 

Golden Delicoius 

BLUEBERRIES 

Topaz 

CASSIS 

Pinova 

CHERRIES 

Iduna 

Cherry varieties: 

Idared 

Bigarreau Burlat 

Glockenapfel 

Kordia 

Braeburn 

Hedel�nger 

Maigold 

Star 

Granny Smith 

Regina 

APRICOTS 

Schauenburger 


Weichseln 

Orangered 

CRANBERRIES 

Luizet 

CURRANTS 

Goldrich 

ELDERBERRY (BLACK) 

BLACKBERRIES 

ELDERBERRY (RED) 

BLUEBERRIES 

GOOSEBERRIES 

CASSIS 

GRAPES 

CHERRIES 

GREENGAGE 


JOSTABERRIES 


NECTARINES 

Kordia 

Nectarines Varieties: 

Hedel�nger 

Big Top 

Star 

Super Crimson 

Regina 

PEACHES 

Schauenburger 

Peach Varieties: 

Weichseln 

Royal Glory 

CRANBERRIES 

Suncrest 

CURRANTS 



GOOSEBERRIES 

GRAPES 

GREENGAGE 

JOSTABERRIES 

NECTARINES 


Big Top 

Source: 1. swissfruit.ch 

Super Crimson 

PEACHES 


Royal Glory 

Suncrest 

WINTER 





FRUITS 

AND BERRIES 

– 726 – – 727 – 

Pinova 

Weichseln 

Iduna 

CRANBERRIES 

Idared 

CURRANTS 

Glockenapfel 


Braeburn 


Maigold 

GOOSEBERRIES 

Granny Smith 

GRAPES 

APRICOTS 

GREENGAGE 


JOSTABERRIES 

Orangered 

NECTARINES 

Luizet 


Goldrich 

Big Top 

BLACKBERRIES 

Super Crimson 

BLUEBERRIES 

PEACHES 

CASSIS 


CHERRIES 

Royal Glory 


Suncrest 


PEARS (AUTUMN VARIETIES) 

Kordia 

PEARS (EARLY VARIETIES) 

Hedel�nger 

PEARS (LAGERSORTEN) 

Star 

Pear Varieties: 

Regina 

Trévoux 

Schauenburger 

Guyot 

Weichseln 

Williams 

CRANBERRIES 

Gute Luise 

CURRANTS 

Harrow Sweet 


Comice 


Packhams 

GOOSEBERRIES 

Kaiser Alexander 

GRAPES 

Conférence 

GREENGAGE 

PLUMS 

JOSTABERRIES 

Plum Varieties: 

NECTARINES 

Herman 


Cacaks Schöne 

Big Top 

Bühler 

Super Crimson 

Hanita 

PEACHES 

Fellenberg 


Cacaks Fruchtbare 

Royal Glory 

Elena 

Suncrest 

QUINCE 

RASPBERRIES 

ROSEHIP 

SEA BUCKTHORN 

STRAWBERRIES 


WINTER 

WINTER 




FRUITS 

AND BERRIES 



FRUITS 

AND BERRIES 

DRAFT 


HOW tO dIstRIBUte? 


the proximity of the site to large densities of people within the urban setting allows for a unique 

oppurtunity for farmers to establish closer connections with the populations they feed. 

– 728 – – 729 – 

DRAFT 


Community Supported Agriculture 

In its most standard form, a CSA consists of a community 

of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation, with 

the growers and consumers providing mutual support and 

sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Normally, 

the members or “share-holders” pledge financial support in 

advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation 

and farmer’s salary. In return, the members receive portions in 

the farm’s harvest throughout the growing season. Members 

also share in the risks of farming. The system provides the 

farmer with working capital in periods between harvests, 

better prices for their crops, some level of financial security, 

and relief from the burden of marketing. CSA members 

receive the satisfaction of reconnecting with the land and 

participating directly in food production. 

Farming Operation 

Financial Support 

Labor 

Fresh Produce and Food 

Goods 

Allocated portions are generally delivered 

or available for pickup on a weekly basis 

throughout the harvest period. 


CSA Members 

Rural Urban Connectivity 

CSAs allow members to have direct relationship to the land and the farmers from which their food comes from. It is a association 

that further emphasizes a direct connection between the urban and rural. 

Support for Urban Agriculture 

CSAs have become a popular means for urban farmers to connect to the communities they are located in. Many urban agricultural 

farming operations establish CSA programs with local grocers and restuarants as well as local residents. 

– 730 – – 731 – 

DRAFT 


desIGN PROPOsal 


the design proposal integrates agricultural technologies with existing programmatic and 

infrastructural features on the site to create a new urban experience based around the ideas of food. 

– 732 – – 733 – 

DRAFT 


Urban Garden Canopy 

The design proposal utilizes the existing infrastructure of the 

site as trellises which will support a network of hydroponic 

tubing and support netting for the cultivation of food crops. The 

canopy will cover the site and also have a series of walkways 

that will allow the public to engage the garden canopy for 

public harvesting, consumption, and leisure. 

Design Diagram 

Pump Station and 

Water Reservoir 


Plant Growth 

Private Railyard 

Underground Piping 

Canopy Lattice 

– 734 – – 735 – 

Public Space 

DRAFT 


Design Implementation 

The garden canopy will float over the existing rail lines and 

give new function to the rail yard and enhance the aesthetic 

quality of the site. 

The canopy will also serve as a green introduction to the city 

by people arriving into Basel by train. 


Exploded Axon View 

– 736 – – 737 – 

Food Canopy 

Netting 

Overhang 

Lattice Connection to Platform 

Gutters 

Lattice Frame 

Existing Trusses 

Packing 

Public Platform 

Distribution 

Rail Tracks 

DRAFT 


On Site 

Existing programs and buildings will be incorporated into the 

functions of the garden canopy. The logistical activities of the 

site will be accessed for the distribution of the crops produced. 

The large roof surface areas of the surrounding buildings will 

be utilized for water collection. 

Rain Water Collection 


Packing and distribution 

Pick your own fruits and vegetable 

along public walkway. 

Main circulation path 

Information Center 

Public platform and walkway 

Water Storage 

Pump Station and Packaging 

– 738 – – 739 – 

Main production a mix between private 

wholesale growers and CSA 

farmers. 

DRAFT 


Water Sources 

The most direct connection for water is the Birs River to the 

East. Connection to the Birsig is also possible in consideration 

of an expanded canopy that stretches further west. Rooftop 

water collection would be anothewr source of water for the 

system. 

Birsig River 

Rooftop Water Collection 

Birs River 


– 740 – – 741 – 

DRAFT 


Hydroponic System Details 

Plant Trough 

Rockwool 

The design proposal utilizes 

the continuous flow culture 

method of hydroponics. It 

functions as a semi- closed 

system 


Feed dripped 

onto the roots 

Plants are hung on 

net support structure 

or allowed to hang to 

maximize available 

space and enable for 

growth 

Water in the system is continually treated 

and recycled through the system 

Flow of nutrient rich 

solution begins at high 

points along the lattice. 

Water Flow 

Gravity directs water to 

drainage gutters back 

into the reservoir. 

– 742 – – 743 – 

Reservoir 

DRAFT 


Possible Vegetables for Garden Canopy 

Cucumbers 

Recommended Varieties 

Raider 

Description: Vine and climber. A champion performer in 

the garden and unquestionable producer of tasty, crisp, and 

delicious cucumbers. Uniform, cylindrical shaped, smoothskinned, 

glossy, deep emerald-green fruit adorn the robust 

plants. Raider is dependably early, robust, disease resistant 

and prolific. 

Days to harvest: 50-52 

Height: 45-60 cm 

Light requirement: Full exposure 

Disease resistance: Angular Leaf Spot (ALS), Cucumber 

Mosaic Virus (CMV), Scab (S) 

Sweet Success 

Description: Vine and climber. Very disease resistant, crisp, 

sweet flavor, thin skinned green fruits reach 12-15 inches 

long, best when grown vertically. Plant produces good yields 

of 12" long seedless and burpless cucumbers. Suitable for 

home garden and market growers. 

Days to harvest: 58 



Disease resistance: Angular Leaf Spot (ALS), Anthracnose 

(A), Powdery Mildew (PM), Downey Mildew (MD), Cucumber 

Mosaic Virus (CMV), Scab (S) 


Rose de Berne 

Description: Vine and climber, indeterminate. Regular leaf, 

medium-large perfect round oblate dark pink fruits, very 

pretty and blemish free, 8-19 oz, very juicy, thin skin, very 

good flavor. 

Days to harvest: 69-80 



Disease resistance: Fusarium Wilt (F) 


The cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a widely cultivated plant in the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. The cucumber is originally 

from India but is now grown on most continents. The plant is a creeping vine which bears cylindrical edible fruit when ripe. 

Originally from India There are three main varieties of cucumber: "slicing", "pickling", and "burpless". The many different varieties 

are traded on the global market. 

Tomatoes 

Raider 

Sweet Success 

The word "tomato" may refer to the plant (Solanum lycopersicum) or the edible, typically red, fruit that it bears. Originating in 

South America, the tomato was spread around the world. There are around 7500 tomato varieties grown for various purposes. 

Hybrid plants remain common, since they tend to be heavier producers, and sometimes combine unusual characteristics of 

heirloom tomatoes with the ruggedness of conventional commercial tomatoes. 

Sources: www.territorialseed.com 

Rose de Berne 

Golden Honey Bunch 

Description: Vine and climber, indeterminate. A golden-orange 

grape tomato that just doesn't quit. Big, sprawling, indeterminate 

plants put out large clusters of succulently sweet fruit 

that seem to drip off the vines. A delicious and eye-grabbing 

addition for the grape tomato enthusiast. Plants are extremely 

productive, and for optimum sweetness, wait until the fruit is 

nice and plump. 




Disease resistance: Fusarium Wilt (F) 

Strawberries 



– 744 – – 745 – 

Golden Honey Bunch 

Fragaria is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae, commonly known as strawberries for their edible 

fruits. There are more than 20 described species and many hybrids and cultivars. The most common strawberries grown 

commercially are cultivars of the garden strawberry, a hybrid known as Fragaria ananassa. Strawberries are an easy plant to 

grow, and can be grown almost anywhere in the world. The best time to plant is in early to middle spring. Strawberries are a 

strong plant that will survive many conditions, but, during the time that the plant is forming fruit, it is important for it to get 

enough water. 

Seascape 

Description: Sweet, high yielding, large fruit. Produces all season 

long. The vigorous plants are virus-resistant and thrive in a 

wide range of growing conditions. The bright red fruit are firm, 

conical-shaped, and have an attractive glossy finish. 




Disease resistance: Leaf Spot (LS), Leaf Scorch (LS), Red 

Stele (RS), Vertical Wilt (VW), Powdery Mildew (PM) 

Blackberries 

Seascape 

The blackberry is an edible fruit produced by any of several species in the Rubus genus of the Rosaceae family. The fruit is not 

a true berry; botanically it is termed an aggregate fruit, composed of small drupelets. The plants typically have biennial canes 

and perennial roots. Blackberries and raspberries are also called caneberries or brambles. It is a widespread, and well known 

group of over 375 species, native throughout the temperate northern hemisphere and South America. 

Early Goliath Hybrid 

Description: Highly successful berry with mature bushes 

that are highly productive. The ripening of the Shawnee 

blackberry begins in mid-June and has shown no problems 

with blackberry diseases. The long bearing period of five weeks 

during June and July. Cold hardy. 

Days to harvest: n/a 

Height: 200- 240 cm 

Light requirement: Full exposure or some shade 

Disease resistance: Leaf Spot (LS), Leaf Scorch (LS), Red 

Stele (RS), Vertical Wilt (VW), Powdery Mildew (PM) 

DRAFT 

Early Goliath Hybrid 


Shadow Study 

March 21st (Spring) 

June 21st (Summer) 


– 746 – – 747 – 

DRAFT 


Crop Plan 

Plan is based on sun exposure of a average summer day in 

Switzerland (June21st) 


Crop Distribution 

Different sections of the canopy would produce specific crops 

dpending on the light conditions of the specific section. Plant 

varieties are prioritized based on the their ability to produce 

high yields and their resistance to pest and disease. 

Production will vary from small private farmers catering to 

CSA members to larger industrial growers providing produce 

to local grocers. 

Potential Crop Yields of Site 

Compared to annual average of Switzerland. 

Carrots Tomatoes 

Cucumbers 

– 748 – – 749 – 

924 t 

Current average 

yield; 19,000 t 

5,880 t 11,760 t 


yield: 38,000 t 


yield; 9,000 t 

10 - 15 hours / day 

5 - 10 hours/ day 

DRAFT 

Source: 1. iica.int 


5 hours /day

Expanded Canopy 

The proposed site for the garden canopy takes into account 

its expansive area and the maximum exposure to sun 

for agriculutural production. However, the canopy can be 

expanded and traverse the entire span of the railway that 

cuts through the city, creating an expanded green zone that 

connects north to south, and east to west, running from St. 

Jakob Park to the Zoo. 

Expanding the canopy to connect with Bahnhof SBB would 

provide the most logical strategy for an urban intervention; 

situating the canopy in direct relation to the busiest circulation 

point in the city. 

The railway is in close proximity to various points of interest, 

as well as various parks and greenspaces that are spread 

throughout the city. These sites can serve as the basis for 

potential entry points for walkways that cross the expanded 

canopy and create connections between areas of the urban 

fabric that had not existed before. 


Zoological 

Garden 

Markthalle 

Pruntruter Matte 

Margrethenpark 

Basel Zoo 

Elisabethenanlage 

Bahnhof SBB 

Migros MPARC 

Rosenfeld Park 

Christoph Merian 

Park 

– 750 – – 751 – 

Wolf 

Gottesacker 


Alottment 

Gardens 

St. Jakob 

Botanical 

Garden 

DRAFT 


Urban Connectivity 

The garden canopy can act as a green corridor connecting the 

various parts of the city. It could attract people to use an area 

currently not accessible. 

Nearly 130,000 people pass through the city by way of Central 

Station each day. The garden canopy can serve as a decorative 

gateway by which people first experience Basel and the last 

vision they see when they leave. 


– 752 – – 753 – 

DRAFT 


Urban Agriculture 

Urban agriculture projects in Basel. 

Source: 1. urbanagriculturebasel.ch 


– 754 – – 755 – 

DRAFT 


CONClUsION 


the means by which food arrives to the table and where it originates is a mystery to most people. the 

connection to the lands that feed us have become strained by industrialization and our ever growing 

attachment to urban centers. the heightened interest in urban agriculture is in direct response to 

these and many other concerns that surround the topic of food and the city. the key to reconnecting 

with the processes by which we obtain our food within the context of the city, will be through the 

innovative use of agricultural technologies. 

– 756 – – 757 – 

DRAFT 



More often than not, the produce we consume comes from processes far different from the farmers 

who tilled and cultivated lands generations before us. We have long been able to replace the sun and 

now hydroponics has made it possible to make food without the soil. the proposal of a garden canopy 

in Basel that hangs over the railways seeks to take these technologies and reimagine how agriculture 

can be acheived in the city beyond the usual greening of existing surfaces. It comes from a desire 

to reconnect and invigorate the city through the most commonly relatable and basic need of food. 

– 758 – – 759 – 

DRAFT

BASEL-STADT: 4 PRoPoSALS - ETH Basel

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?