Basel is recognized as Switzerland’s architectural capital. Hardly any other region is home to so many internationally active architectural offices. In order to showcase the highly diverse potential of building culture, expertise, and enthusiasm in the city and surrounding area, Architektur Dialoge Basel Foundation has initiated a biennial platform for architecture and urban development—the Architekturwoche Basel (Architecture Week Basel, AWB).
The second edition of the AWB is dedicated to the transformation and activation of hidden spaces under the title “Hidden Spaces: Opportunities for the Future”—because the invisible is not cared for in the same way as the visible. The invisible includes a variety of networks and infrastructures such as waterways and reservoirs, the production of food and energy, our waste, our data, administrative and social boundaries, and, last but not least, our history. All of these are important parameters that determine our current and future presence in the city and country—because hidden spaces offer opportunities for the future.
Changing and reusing existing buildings and structures takes time. A rethink and a new look at what is valuable are essential. In Switzerland, it still seems to be easier and cheaper to demolish a building than to work with the existing structure. Sustainable conceptual decisions are the key to reducing the serious environmental impact of construction. This is why a change in awareness is needed in dealing with what we have. The AWB'24 wants to have a social and cultural impact. It advocates a new restraint in construction and ecological solutions in order to overcome the current immobility of architecture.
Over seven days, the AWB'24 offers exhibitions and guided tours, discussions and a film program, presentations, and a pop-up shop for new architecture books. Its aim is to understand the invisible forces in our built environment and to use them as tools for a reorientation of architecture. Check their website for a full program of events.

Website
architekturwochebasel.ch/en/

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