(Re)branding the Flon identity: A Swiss Youth Embassy_Flon ... - EPFL

NT Areal, Basel, CH
The NT Areal (or Erlenmatt), in a part of Basel which the residents call “Kleinbasel”, is an area that was
formerly used as a merchandise hub, and 10 years out of service, is now the subject of development by the
city and private investors that will take place over the next 20 years.
The real estate company, Vivico Real Esate GmbH - a part of the german federal train company - has the
task to take over the area and plan a “mixed” program neighborhood development, including 700 new apartmets.
This process is to be implemented slowly, with a first project of 240 apartments.
Until that time,the city of Basel has decided - with city planners and researchers of the area - to create a
“temporary use” and experimental zone, to retain vitality and awareness of the areal. The development
group has decided to open the field of use, including the large historical structure in the center of the areal
as a congress center on various occasions during the year.
On the grounds of the NT Areal (which stands for “non-territorial”), cultural, sport, and commercial activity
have already begun to take place, such as green ways for hikers, a dirt-bike jump for those daring, a climing
wall, a night club/bar, a Sunday marketplace, and areas left open for experimentation such as the “Karawanserei”
- in which structures are quickly built and house various activities that allow also for an unlimited
time of living arangements.
In short, the city is making use of a zone under planning as an expression of the city and its experimental
and creative abilities, a quality that is well among the Swiss and respected as part of the culture.
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