Inspiration you can touch – a glimpse into our analogue architecture library
Pinterest, digital mood boards, Instagram, ChatGPT and other AI-powered research tools – the number of digital information platforms is vast, and they’ve become an integral part of our daily workflow.
And yet, our analogue architecture library possesses a unique power of its own. As a tactile archive of architectural history and a source of inspiration for future thinking, it remains a constant presence in our studio – sometimes used more, sometimes less, but always accessible.
Christian W. Blaser
19. June 2025
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The foundation of our library was laid by Werner Blaser, an architect, publicist and furniture designer who gained international recognition.
His passion for architecture and its history is reflected not only in his numerous publications – 108 in total – but also in his extensive collection of specialist and industry literature from around the world.
His son, Christian W. Blaser, continues this tradition to this day. Whether published by renowned figures from Ando to Zumthor or lesser-known authors – our library comprises over 3,500 volumes from various eras, disciplines and thematic fields: monographs, reference works, theoretical texts, exhibition catalogues, historic editions and international architecture journals sit alongside publications on textiles, (furniture) design, art and architecture – a truly comprehensive collection. Some of the titles are no longer available commercially; others bear margin notes, traces of use or even handwritten dedications. In short: books with history.
This in itself shows that beyond the content, the book as an object is often equally compelling: materials, binding and typography all contribute to the experience.
And yet, in the age of digitalisation, we find ourselves turning to physical books less frequently. A right-click and a search term will get us to our goal faster – and the results are often easier to process further.
Still, who knows – perhaps our library will once again evolve into a place that inspires design processes, supports conceptual thinking, opens up new perspectives and fosters unexpected connections. In any case, we continue to expand the collection, convinced that analogue books offer a unique sense of quality, design and knowledge. They create space for genuine engagement and promote independent thinking. After all, browsing the shelves often leads – in true serendipitous fashion – to surprising discoveries. That, ultimately, is where their power lies.
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Christian W. Blaser
19. June 2025
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… The invisible logistics behind a hospital renovation. Together with Butscher Architekten, we realised the conversion and refurbishment of the new Privée Ward at Klinik Stephanshorn in St. Gallen. We discussed with Christoph Butscher the challenges involved in logistics, planning and coordination while keeping hospital operations running.
Auf den ersten Blick weckt derBegriff «Corporate Architecture» oft die Vorstellung von uniformen,austauschbaren Gebäuden ohne erkennbaren Bezug zum jeweiligen Standort. Dochals Architekten und Generalplaner, die immer wieder in diesem Bereich tätigsind, wissen wir: Hinter Corporate Architecture stehen komplexe Aufgaben, derenUmsetzung Präzision, Adaption, Kommunikation, logistische Fähigkeiten undweitere anspruchsvolle Kompetenzen erfordert – genau diese Herausforderungenmachen solche Projekte für uns besonders spannend.
The topic of green roofs and biodiversity conservation in inner cities has gained increasing importance in recent years and is becoming a key component of sustainable urban planning. As an architectural practice, we regularly engage with this subject, for example through our work on the Stücki Park project on Hochbergstrasse. This provides good reason to take a closer look. In line with our credo “sharing experience,” we aim to gain deeper insights into why urban greening and bird conservation are so important and what role Basel plays in this context. We spoke with two experts on the subject. In the second part of the interview, we exchanged views with Dr. phil. Monika Schaub from the Department of Building Applications, Trees, and Plant Protection.
Our new blog format REVISITED takes a retrospective look at completed projects, offering an assessment of architecture as it is lived over time. We begin with a single-family home in Witterswil, completed in 2012. Situated at the edge of the building zone, the one-storey residence was realised as a densification of an existing plot and includes, in addition to the customary living areas, a slightly recessed studio space. The house was originally occupied by a couple to whom we have returned for a visit 13 years after their move-in.
Efficient, cost-effective and high-quality: our new-build project in Basel/Binningen with prefabricated façade elements. What convinced us... We are currently working on the construction of a new apartment block (MFH) in Basel/Binningen, where we are in the middle of the shell construction and suggested a kind of modular system to the client, more precisely the use of prefabricated façade elements.
We decided to work with ERNE AG Holzbau, which specialises in prefabricated façade systems. Together, we developed a combination of reinforced concrete ceilings with steel columns and non-load-bearing façade elements for our project. The following advantages drove us to pursue this concept:
A key benefit is the time factor: prefabricated façade elements are manufactured in the factory and can then be assembled on site, which significantly reduces the overall construction time. In addition, you are less dependent on favourable weather conditions, as it is more difficult to work in hail, snow or 35 degrees than under weather-independent conditions in the production hall, where the right tools, materials and expertise are always immediately available.
As part of the expansion of the «Sonnenfeld» residential development in Oberwil, located on Bielstrasse, we participated in an architectural design competition. Our proposal was recognised as bold, provocative and thought-provoking. For us, this provided an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between territory and architecture and to ask what responsibility architecture must assume within this context.
On May 9, 2025, the Industry Night Regio Basel will take place – a unique event where companies open their doors. Blaser Architekten has taken the initiative and brought together seven companies from the region to provide a joint insight into the diverse aspects of construction projects.
The Hirsacker Foundation is a private foundation based in Liesberg, Canton of Basel-Landschaft. By public mandate, it offers places in "Supported Living" as well as in "Accompanied Day Structuring" specifically for people on the autism spectrum. Founded in 1987, more than 60 employees are currently dedicated to enabling clients to lead self-determined and fulfilling lives. Tailored to individual needs, the services include nature-oriented, manual, and creative activities that take place in a safe and supportive environment, focusing on joy of life, development opportunities, and social inclusion. Maintenance work that has become necessary is now being undertaken by Blaser Architects. This encompasses several properties of the Hirsacker Foundation, particularly the "Riederwald" residential building and the "Hirsacker" area. A first sub-project has already been completed, with other works still pending.
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