Pumping Station in Basel

A new work of public infrastructure, the Lange Erlen pumping station is aligned to the main axis of the site and leaves space for future expansion. Under the projecting roof of the entrance façade, a concrete fountain transforms first into a bench and stairs and further along into a wheelchair-accessible ramp.

The interior spaces are built with gentle, polished curves in emulation of glacial mills. These curves also give shape to the large skylight in the foyer. A generous staircase winds up around the light by the artist Madlaina Lys to the building’s true centrepiece: the observation deck, from which visitors have a view over the extensive pumping facility.

Staehelin Meyer Architekten